Photo: Radio Prague International
Thirty-five years ago, the canonization of Agnes of Bohemia marked a turning point for Czechoslovakia, symbolizing hope and the promise of change as the Velvet Revolution loomed on the horizon. On November 12, 1989—just five days before the revolution began—10,000 Czechoslovak pilgrims filled St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to witness the canonization of the Czech patroness by Pope John Paul II.
Originally, plans called for the ceremony to take place in Czechoslovakia, but the ruling Communist regime refused the Pope’s entry into the country.
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