May 18 King Saint Eric of Sweden(Eric the Lawgiver, Eric the Holy, Henry of Sweden, Eric IX, Erico IX, King of Sweden)
May 18 King Saint Eric of Sweden(Eric the Lawgiver, Eric the Holy, Henry of Sweden, Eric IX, Erico IX, King of Sweden)
died 1160.
Patronage:
Sweden
farmers
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King Eric is remembered for his honesty, generosity toward the Church, and conversion of his people at a time when Christianity was not well received. King Saint Eric is a model of courage and faith, at a time when such virtues often resulted in one’s death. For that reason, Saint Eric, the patron saint of Sweden, is celebrated as a holy martyr of the Church, having died while attending Mass on the feast of the Ascension.
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Born Eric Jedvardson, the son of an Upland lord, Eric assumed the throne of Sweden in 1150, following the death of Sverker the Elder. King Eric IX reigned for 10 years, during which time he governed with fairness and equality, established law and order, and spread the faith of Christianity within the country, as well as into the surrounding pagan lands. Eric was the first to codify Swedish law, doing so based upon the teachings of Christ in the Bible. He established fair laws and impartial courts, and charitable programs for the poor and sick (which were quite rare at that time). He built churches, including the first cathedral in Sweden, and successfully defended his country from invasion several times.
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Due to his faith, Eric made many enemies, include the ruler of nearby modern-day Denmark at the time. Following a defeat in battle, for example, King Eric had sent Christian missionaries into Denmark to convert the defeated soldiers. During a subsequent brief period of peace, assassins were sent into Sweden to kill Eric. They found him at Mass in the cathedral he had built at Uppsala, celebrating the Ascension of the Lord. His soldiers, having scouted the enemy, warned the king that a pagan Danish army was approaching to kill him. He replied, "Let us at least finish the sacrifice (of the Mass). The rest of the feast I shall keep elsewhere." As he was leaving the church, on a hill known as “The Lords’ Hill,” the Danish army rushed upon him and killed him by beheading. Holy legend tells us that where his blood fell, a spring of fresh water sprang up, believed to have miraculous healing power.
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Saint Eric’s relics were placed in a shrine, used in processions, and placed at rest in the cathedral in Uppsala. Numerous miracles have been recorded at its side. While Eric has never been officially canonized, he is recognized locally as a saint, and honored both as an upholder of the Christian faith and as a national hero-- the ancestor of a long line of Swedish kings. Within thirty years after his death his name appeared on the Swedish Calendar, and he is accounted the principal patron of Sweden, as (for example) Saint Patrick is the patron of Ireland.
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King Saint Eric of Sweden lived in difficult times. It was not unusual for kings to be assassinated, deposed, or imprisoned for even the slightest reason, if rivals could build enough support in the army or the populace. Yet Eric was unafraid, introducing sweeping political, judicial, social, and spiritual changes throughout not only Sweden, but also the surrounding countries. His commitment to the improvement and defense of Sweden, through adherence to the teachings of the Gospel, eventually led to his death. Even in the moments prior to his death, Eric recognized the importance of his faith, placing celebration of Mass before his earthly kingdom. What might we say of our own priorities? Where do the teachings of Christ rank in our daily lives?
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O God, Who didst call Thy servant Eric of Sweden to an earthly throne that he might advance Thy heavenly kingdom, and didst give him zeal for Thy Church and love for Thy people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of Thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. Eric of Sweden, and I give Thee thanks for all the graces Thou hast bestowed upon him. I ask Thee to please increase grace in my soul through the merits of this saint, and I commit the end of my life to him by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Thy goodness and promise, St. Eric of Sweden might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen.