May 18: Saint Eric of Sweden

May 18 is the feast day of Saint Eric IX of Sweden (also known as Eric the Lawgiver and Eric the Holy, born, unknown, died 1160), 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.





Inspired by the origins and spiritual history of the Holy Rosary, we continue our meditation on the psalms, one each day, in order, for 150 days.


Today’s Psalm: Psalm 24: The Lord’s Solemn Entry into Zion


1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.


Day 138 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Quiet contemplation of the Lord; For a deeper relationship with God.
Requested Intentions: For blessings on a brother’s birthday (J); Successful conception of a child (D); Successful adoption (S); Healing of a father battling cancer (S); For the guidance of Our Blessed Mother (A); Recovery from a stroke (R); Personal intentions (S); Recovery of a sick brother-in-law (K); Favor from the Lord in restoration of a life (K); End to Schizophrenia (A); For financial recovery and successful marriage (A); For restoration of a marriage (K); For financial security and housing for a son (B).
Psalm: Psalm 24: The Lord’s Solemn Entry into Zion