St. Thorfinn Biography |
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| Date of Birth | N/A |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | Norway of Europe |
| Matrimony/Holy Orders | Saints who were Bishops |
| Profession | Cistercian monk, Bishop |
| Place of Work | Belgium |
| Date of Death | January 8 1285 |
| Place of Death | Cistercian monastery at Ter Doest, Belgium |
| Feast Day | January 8 |
| Beatification | |
| Canonization | Pre-congregation |
| Patron Saint of | |
Saint Thorfinn’s Life History
Thorfinn was born in Trondheim, Norway. His early life whereabouts are all a mystery, though he grew up to become a bishop of Hamar. He was said to have lived as a Cistercian monk.
He was remembered as being a witness in the 1277 Tonsberg agreement whereby King Magnus VI and the Archbishop of Nidaros confirmed certain privileges for the clergy, such as episcopal elections and other matters. The agreement was disregarded by King Eric, years later, leading to feuds between the Church and the state. This in turn led to his exile alongside Bishop Andrew of Oslow.
After this incident, he suffered many hardships, including being shipwrecked, as he made his way to Ter Doest, Flanders. He was known to be holy, according to a poem written and composed by father Walter de Muda, which was placed on his burial place. He died on January 8 1285, in a Cistercian monastery at Ter Doest.
His body was found fifty years later during some building operations near the area of his burial, from his tomb emanating a strong pleasant smell, this being a sign that his memory had to be venerated and be perpetuated.
Saint Thorfinn’s Birth
He was born in Trondheim, Norway.
Saint Thorfinn’s Death
He died on 8 January 1285 in a Cistercian monastery at TerDoest, near Bruges, Belgium of natural causes.
Nationality
Thorfinn was Norwegian.
Canonization
He was canonized pre-congregation.
Saint Thorfinn’s Feast Day
His feast day is celebrated on January 8.
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