In this longer powerful episode of Voices of the Saints, we step into the hauntingly beautiful story of St John Nepomucene — the humble Bohemian priest whose unshakeable fidelity cost him his life.

Long before his body was thrown from the Charles Bridge into the cold Vltava River, John was known for something rare: he listened as though each confession was holy ground. His silence became refuge for the broken… and a threat to a king consumed by suspicion.

When the queen found in John a gentle spiritual anchor, King Wenceslaus sought to break him — first with questions, then with torture, and finally with death.
But John would not speak.
Not for fear.
Not for pride.
But for the sacred seal he vowed to protect.

This is a story of conscience stronger than power, faith deeper than fear, and a silence loud enough to echo across centuries.

May the witness of St John Nepomucene remind us that some vows are worth our very lives.

Thank you for listening to Voices of the Saints. For the richest experience, we always recommend listening with headphones to hear every layer of music and sound woven into these stories.

This episode is based on accounts from the Coptic Synaxarium, early church tradition, and other historical sources. While we’ve done our best to ensure accuracy and reverence, some elements have been adapted or dramatized for narrative and production purposes. Our goal is to honour the spirit and message of the saints while making their stories engaging and accessible to modern listeners.