Henry and Olivia

A week from Sunday, God willing, Bishop Wallace Ohl will be with us at Saint Matthew's to preach and preside at Mass.  He is scheduled to confirm seven adults, receive one, and reaffirm another.  In addition, we anticipate two infant baptisms.  The parents of these beautiful children have chosen two very unusual and inspiring patron saints of their offspring.

Saint Henry.  He was an English clergyman who was chosen to become Archbishop of Uppsala in Sweden and was so installed there.  Henry formed a friendship and very strong alliance with Carl, King of Sweden.  The two decided to attempt to convert the Finnish people next door in 1153, which they succeeded in doing, baptising them and founding churches.  Henry fell in love with the Finns and chose to stay behind to minister to them.  One day he attempted to give canonical punishment to one Lalli for the crime of murder, but Lalli became incensed and murdered Henry on the spot..  Although never holding a church office in Finland,  Henry is their Patron Saint.  In later mediaeval times, many miracles were attributed to Henry.    Henry's feast day is celebrated by the Lutheran Church of Finland, the Roman Catholic Church, our Anglican Communion, and even some protestant bodies.
Saint Henry's feast day is 19 January.

Saint Olivia.   Olivia was born in Palermo, Sicily in 448.  She was the beautiful daughter of a Sicilian nobleman and was known for her Christian piety and constancy.   In an attempt to turn her from the Faith, she was sent by the authorities to Carthage (Tunis) in North Africa.  Instead of rethinking her commitment, she began to convert non-Christians there.  As a result, she was subsequently tortured and beheaded on her feast day, 10 June, in 463.  This Virgin-Martyr was the subject of a mediaeval poem in 114 octaves and also a play in three acts.  The Roman Cathedral in Palermo is called the Cathedral of St. Vincent dePaul and St. Olivia.  She is venerated not only in the Catholic Tradition (though not officially in Roman provenance) and in the Orthodox Churches, and even by Muslims, who have possession of her relics -- her remains! 

These two very different, very interesting characters in the Christian historical drama have one critical thing in common.  They were faithful to the Gospel, even to death.  We should also always stand ready to give whatever we must for the cause of right.  That is the essence of Christian mission.