Saint Eric of Sweden

Also known as

• Henry of Sweden
• Eric The Lawgiver
• Eric IX

Memorial

• 18 May

Profile

King of Sweden. Defended his country from Finnish invasions. Codified Swedish law under Gospel principles. Used his throne to spread the Gospel through his kingdom. Built the first large church in Sweden at Old Uppsala. Murdered by conspiratorial, anti-Christian Swedish nobles; martyr. Never formally canonized, his cultus developed almost immediately upon his death. Due to his zeal in the defense of his country and his faith, his banner has been carried by Swedes, including non-Catholics, for centuries.

Died

• beheaded on 18 May 1161 as he left Mass

Patronage

• Sweden

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Catholic Online
• Christian Biographies, by James Keifer
• Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints

MLA Citation

• “Saint Eric of Sweden“. Saints.SQPN.com. 1 January 2013. Web. 23 May 2013. <>