Saint Helen of Skofde

Also known as: Helen of Skovde
Elin
Memorial: 31 July
Profile: Nobility. Married young. Mother of one daughter. Built the Church of Skofde, Sweden. Widowed early in her marriage, after which she gave away most of her fortune to the poor. Helen's son-in-law was murdered by his own servants because of his cruelty. Soon after, Helen left on a pilgrimage, and when the son-in-law's family arrived to investigate the death, the servants blamed it on Helen, claiming her pilgimage was a cover for fleeing justice. The in-laws believed the story, tracked her down, and killed her. Miracles reported at her tomb.
Born: 12th century at Vastergotland, Sweden
Died: murdered c.1160
Canonized: 1164 by Pope Alexander III
Patronage: falsely accused people
in-law problems
martyrs
Vastergotland, Sweden
widows
Additional Information: Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Catholic Encyclopedia
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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