Saint Knud

Also known as: Canute
Canute IV
Canutus
Cnut
Knud IV
Knute
Memorial: 19 January
Profile: Illegimate son of King Sweyn Estrithson of Denmark. Nephew of King Knud of England. King of Denmark as Knud IV c.1080. Married to Adela, sister of Count Roberts of Flanders. Spread the gospel through his kingdom, supported missionaries, and built churches. Tried and failed to conquer England to press his claim to the throne which he saw as his through his kinship to his uncle, King Knud. Following his defeat, he fled to the island of Fünen. Murdered with his brother and 17 followers while kneeling at an altar immediately following confession. Miracles reported at his tomb.
Died: murdered in 1086 in the church of Saint Alban on the island of Fünen
Canonized: 1101 by Pope Paschal II
Patronage: Denmark
Prayers: Prayer to Saint Knud
Representation: Nordic king with royal insignia, dagger, lance or arrow
barefoot king with his hair in a fillet
with Saint Charles Borromeo
being murdered at the altar
Additional Information: Catholic Encyclopedia
Catholic Online
For All the Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
Google Directory
Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Society
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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