Subj : January 19th - Saint Henry of Sweden To : All From : rich Date : Thu Jan 18 2018 09:08:10 From: rich January 19th - Saint Henry of Sweden (also known as Saint Henrik, or Saint Henry of Uppsula, Saint Henry of Finl= and) d. 1156 Saint Henry of Sweden--bishop of Sweden, missionary to Finland, and Martyr of the Church. Saint Henry remains a central figure in the Scandinavian Catholic Church, given his importance in the spread of the faith throughout the region. Canonized=E2=80=94Pre-congregation. Henry was born in England, but moved to Rome where he was ordained a priest. Chosen to accompany Papal Legal, Nicholas Breakspear (who later became Pope Adrian IV) to Sweden, Henry was consecrated bishop of Uppsula, Sweden at the council of Link=C3=B6ping in 1152. Three years later, King Saint Eric of Sweden led a crusade into Finland, as a result of Finnish pirates marauding throughout the country. Saint Henry accompanied him on this apostolic mission, baptizing the defeated Finns in the spring of Kuppis near Abo. Both King Eric and Saint Henry did all they could to offer peace and the Christian faith to the people of Finland, but upon their refusal, defeated them soundly in battle. King Eric returned to Sweden, but Henry remained behind, working for the conversion of more of the local people. To accomplish this goal, Henry had a church built at Nousis, which became the heart of the Finnish Catholic Church. It was a difficult time for Saint Henry, as the locals were less than accepting of his presence, given the arrival of the Swedish missionary accompanied by a great army! Over time, he worked to make his presence more acceptable, modeling the Christian faith, and delivering the sacraments. Such was his love for the Lord that he held the Finns to the letter of the Christian law, at times imposing harsh penances on those who sinned. In time, Henry met a violent death on account of his love of God. A converted Finnish soldier named Lalli had murdered a Swedish soldier. After careful consideration of the facts and assiduous prayer, Henry imposed the penalty of excommunication on the murderer. Lalli became enraged and slew the saintly bishop with an ax. Henry was buried at Nousis, and miracles were reported at his tomb. (It is said that Lalli lived a long life in exile following the murder, but that for the remainder of his days he was tormented by mice.) The union of Finland and Sweden wrought by Henry and Eric lasted much longer than they did=E2=80=93until the 14th century. In 1300, Saint Henry= 's relics were translated from Nousis to the Abo Cathedral, and his cult spread throughout Finland and Scandinavia. Miracles continued to be reported at his tomb until 1720 (including miracles of healing an justice), when invading Russian forces removed the relics. Much of Saint Henry's life--including the 11 miracles recorded in h= is Acts--have been questioned for accuracy. Despite these historical questions, the truth of Saint Henry's life remains extant in the vibrant Catholic faith that developed throughout Sweden and Finland. Saint Henry followed the Lord's call from England to Rome to Scandinavia, into battle, and throughout challenging times. His steadfast obedience earned him the martyr's crown, and inspires us today. Prayer: Almighty God, by whose grace and power thy Martyr Henry was enabled to witness to the truth and to be faithful unto death: Grant that we, who now remember him before thee, may likewise so bear witness unto thee in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of glory that fadeth not away; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Saint Quote: Guard your mind, and you will not be harassed by temptations. But if you fail to guard it, accept patiently whatever trial comes. --St. Mark the Ascetic Bible Quote: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Psalm 34:13-14 RSVCE <><><><> Angels--Their Further Employment Next to the praises of the Infinite God, it is the chief delight of the Angels to adore the Lamb that was slain. "To Him that sitteth upon the Throne and to the Lamb, benediction and glory, honor and power, for ever and ever." They are never tired of making Heaven resound with their songs of gratitude. So too on earth it is the joy of all the Saints to adore the unspeakable love of the Lamb of God. Is this my joy? Can I say, "Lord', Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I love Thee with my whole heart?" It is also the delight of all the Holy Angels to sing the praises of the Mother of God. Even the Seraphim have not a glory which in any way approaches hers. After her Incarnate Son, she is the splendor of the Heavenly Court, and the Angels behold her in all her glory, and are ravished at the sight. Is she not the Mother of their King and God? If I desire to behold her with delight in Heaven, I must love and serve her now. The Holy Angels also rejoice in the companionship of the Saints of God. They welcome them into the celestial kingdom. Their delight is to contemplate the glory and the triumph of those who have fought and conquered on earth, of the martyrs and confessors, of all who have been redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ. Each one who enters the celestial paradise adds to the joy of all Heaven and fills up one of the places left empty by the fall of the rebel Angels. Do I rejoice in this happiness of others? --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .