From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

January 8th - Saint Thorfinn of Hamar
=C2 d. 1285

Thorfinn was a Norwegian monk, priest, and Bishop of Hamar, who lived
a quiet and dedicated life to the Lord. It wasn't until after the
death of this holy man--50 years after his death to be precise--that
his sanctity and sainthood were first recognized! During construction
and renovation of the church in which he was buried, it became clear
that the Lord held Saint Thorfinn in high esteem--his body exuded the
scent of holiness.

The current abbot felt drawn to discover more about Saint Thorfinn, of
which there was little recorded in the monastery's records. Speakin=
g
with the oldest remaining monk, Father Walter de Muda, the abbot
learned that Thorfinn had been an exceptionally devoted brother--good,
patient, generous, and firm in his confrontation of evil. In fact,
Father Walter had written a poem about the fallen abbot--written on
fragile parchment--which had been placed in the tomb with Thorfinn.

The abbot searched for the poem, finding it in pristine condition in
the tomb, not having suffered the ravages of time. Taking this as a
sign that the Lord wished Thorfinn to be remembered and honored,
Father Walter was asked to record all he could remember about the holy
man who had lived his life quietly. The monks--and soon others who
heard of this discovery--began praying at Thorfinn's tomb, and
numerous miracles began occurring at his intercession!

The details that Father Walter remembered were few, but comprise what
we know about Saint Thorfinn today. Thorfinn had been born in Norway,
and had become a Cistercian monk at the abbey of Taurtra. Ordained a
priest, records indicate that he served in the cathedral in that city
for some time. During this time, Thorfinn was confronted with the
choice that many had to make--allegiance to the king of Norway (King
Eric) or to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Years before, Thorfinn
had been witness to the important Norwegian Agreement of Tonsberg, in
which King Magnus VI freed the Church from governmental control.
However, upon ascending to the throne, King Eric of Norway rescinded
the agreement, and exiled those who supported it. Thorfinn, now Bishop
of Hamar, was among those who remained loyal to the Church, rather
than the king.

Exiled, Saint Thorfinn traveled to Belgium, surviving a difficult
journey and shipwreck. There, he went to live at the Cistercian abbey
of Ter Doest in Flanders, where he later died and his body was
discovered. While at the abbey, he impressed the monks with his inner
fortitude and good character. Prior to his death, he divided his
possessions among charitable groups. Saint Thorfinn died as quietly as
he had lived, going in peace to rest with the Lord.

In our world today, we focus our attention on accomplishments and
status--those who have money, power, and fame are generally the
individuals that we emulate or admire. Saint Thorfinn reminds us that
the Lord does not judge us by our accomplishments, but rather by our
character and our hearts. Saint Thorfinn may have lived a quiet life,
but it was one rich in love for the Lord, and service to his fellow
man. While he did not attract much attention on earth, he did in
Heaven, earning him the title of saint!


Saint Quote:
As, when the sun is eclipsed, the whole earth is dark, so, if there is
a want of humility, all our works are blighted, and are nothing but
blemish and corruption.
--St. John Climacus

Bible Quote:
Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.=C2 (I Pet 5:7)=
=C2 RSVCE


<><><><>
Awake, my harp, your songs in praise of the Virgin Mary! Lift up your
voice and sing the wonderful history of the Virgin, the daughter of
David, who gave birth to the life of the Word." [stanza 1,1] "This
Virgin became a Mother while preserving her virginity; and though
still a Virgin she carried a Child in her womb; and the handmaid and
work of His Wisdom became the Mother of God. [Stanza 1, 20].
--St. Ephraim c. 306-373: Hymns on the Blessed Mary

Thus, the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of
Mary. What the virgin Eve had bound in unbelief, the virgin Mary
loosed through faith.
--St. Ireaneus, Against Heresies 3,22,4 AD 180

--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)