⛪ Saint Sigfrid of Sweden: Second Apostle of the North

Birth and Early Life in England (10th century)

Saint Sigfrid was born in Glastonbury, England in the second half of the 10th century, during a period when England itself was experiencing Christian renewal and when English monasticism was flourishing under the Benedictine reform movement.

Glastonbury was one of the most important monastic centers in England—an ancient site associated with early Christianity in Britain and home to a thriving Benedictine abbey. Growing up in this environment, Sigfrid absorbed the best of English Christian spirituality, learning, and monastic discipline.

Conversion by Saint Alphege

According to tradition, Sigfrid was converted to the Christian faith (or perhaps confirmed in it) by Saint Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, one of the great figures of the English Church who would later be martyred by Danish Vikings in 1012.

Benedictine Monk and Priest

Sigfrid became a Benedictine monk and was ordained a priest. He served at various locations, including York, where he gained a reputation as an "eminent priest" known for his learning, holiness, and pastoral zeal.

Some sources describe him as "Archbishop of York," though this title is now considered legendary rather than historical. What is clear is that Sigfrid was a priest of considerable stature and influence in the English Church.

The Call to Scandinavia (995)

King Olaf Tryggvason's Request

Around 995, King Olaf I Tryggvason of Norway (r. 995-1000)—himself a convert to Christianity while exiled in England—sent a request to the English king (possibly Æthelred II "the Unready") for Christian missionaries to help evangelize Norway and Sweden.

Sigfrid, along with two other bishops and his three nephews—all Cluniac monks—was selected for this mission:

• Saint Unaman (or Ounam): A priest
• Saint Sunaman (or Souman): A deacon
• Saint Winaman (or Wismar, Vinaman): A subdeacon

Arrival in Norway (995)

The missionary party arrived in Norway in 995, where Sigfrid became a court bishop for King Olaf Tryggvason. He engaged in challenging missionary work, including a famous encounter with Raud the Strong, a renowned pagan sorcerer and fierce opponent of Christianity.

Mission to Sweden (1002-1045)

Forced to Leave Norway (1000-1002)

After the Battle of Svolder (999-1000), where King Olaf Tryggvason was killed and Norway fell back under pagan influence, Sigfrid and his nephews were forced to leave. In 1002, they traveled to Sweden, where God would accomplish His greatest work through them.

Building the Church at Växjö

Sigfrid and his nephews traveled to the region of Värend in Småland (southern Sweden), settling on the shores of Lake Växjö. There they:

• Erected a cross
• Built a wooden church
• Began preaching the Gospel

Soon eleven prominent men of the area were converted and baptized in a spring near Mount Ostrabo. Word spread of this holy man with his beautiful vestments, gold and silver vessels, and powerful preaching.

Baptizing King Olof Skötkonung (1008)

In 1008, King Olof Skötkonung (Eric the Victorious's son), curious about the missionary's work, sent a councilor to investigate. The report was so favorable that the king himself came to Växjö.

Sigfrid baptized the king and his entire royal family in a spring near the village of Husaby, making Olof Skötkonung the first Christian king of Sweden. This momentous event marked the beginning of Sweden's Christianization.

The spring where the baptism occurred became known as Saint Sigfrid's Well and was credited with numerous miracles and healings over the centuries.

The Martyrdom of His Nephews

While Sigfrid traveled to other parts of Sweden to establish Christianity, he left his three nephews to administer the church at Växjö. During his absence, pagan raiders attacked:

• They beheaded all three nephews (Unaman, Sunaman, and Winaman)
• Burned the church to the ground
• Threw the severed heads into the lake

When Sigfrid returned and learned of this tragedy, he searched the lake and miraculously discovered the three heads—bodies were never found, but the heads were intact.

According to the hagiography, the three severed heads spoke, a miracle that converted many who witnessed it. Sigfrid enshrined the holy relics with great reverence.

Mercy Instead of Vengeance

The murderers were caught and brought before King Olof, who wanted to execute them. But Sigfrid pleaded for their lives, displaying extraordinary Christian mercy and forgiveness.

The king agreed but commanded that the killers pay a large fine as compensation. Remarkably, Sigfrid refused to accept any of this "blood money," preferring to rebuild the church through donations from the faithful rather than profit from his nephews' martyrdom.

This act of mercy and moral integrity made an enormous impression on the newly Christian Swedes and strengthened the faith.

Establishing Dioceses

1014: Sigfrid helped King Olof establish the Diocese of Husaby (later moved to Skara), which became a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Hamburg-Bremen. He consecrated Thurgaut, a German, as the first bishop.

Sigfrid also established episcopal sees at Linköping and supported the missionary work in Scania.

Växjö became Sigfrid's primary base, though he traveled extensively throughout Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

Later Missionary Journeys

Sigfrid continued his apostolic work:

• 1014-1028: Based in Trondheim, Norway at various times, working with Saint Olaf Haraldsson
• Attempted to re-establish Christianity in Uppsala, the ancient pagan religious center, but faced fierce resistance
• Traveled to Denmark to spread the faith
• Visited Bremen twice (c. 1015 and c. 1030) to report to the Archbishop

Death and Legacy (c. 1045)

Final Years at Växjö

In his old age, Sigfrid retired to Värend, the region where he had first established his mission in Sweden. He died in Växjö around 1045, though the exact date is uncertain.

Burial and Cult

Sigfrid was buried in Växjö, and his tomb immediately became a center of pilgrimage. Miracles were reported, devotion spread, and he was recognized as Sweden's greatest evangelist.

Pope Hadrian IV (the only English pope) is said to have canonized Sigfrid around 1158, though formal documentation is lacking. Regardless, he was universally venerated as a saint.

Second Apostle of the North

While Saint Ansgar (801-865) is called the "First Apostle of the North" for his pioneering work in Scandinavia, Sigfrid is revered as the "Second Apostle of the North"—the man who completed what Ansgar began and established Christianity permanently in Sweden.

The Cathedral and Diocese

Växjö Cathedral, built on the site of Sigfrid's original church, stands as a lasting monument to his mission. The Diocese of Växjö, which he founded, continues to this day.

Feast Day: February 15

Patronage: Sweden (co-patron with Saint Eric); the Diocese of Växjö; Anglo-Swedish relations

Attributes: Bishop carrying three severed heads; bishop baptizing King Olaf; bishop with a well or spring; bishop on a ship

Legacy: Växjö Cathedral; Saint Sigfrid's Well; the Swedish Church; the Christianization of Scandinavia

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May Saint Sigfrid intercede for all missionaries and for continued Christian faith in Scandinavia!

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