Henry of Uppsala

Henry was an Englishman living in Rome. He accompanied the papal legate, Nicholas Cardinal Breakspear to Scandinavia in 1151 and was consecrated bishop of Uppsala, Sweden, the next year by the cardinal. Henry was with King Eric of Sweden in the latter's invasion of Finland to punish Finnish pirates and remained behind when Eric returned to Sweden. Henry was murdered by a convert named Lalli, on whom he had imposed a penance for a murder he had committed. Henry is considered the patron saint of Finland, though he does not appear to have ever been formally canonized.


Propers for Henry of Uppsala - 19 January - Apostle to the Finns

The Collect

Almighty and Everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servant Henry of Uppsala whom thou didst call to preach the Gospel to the Finnish people.. Raise up, we beseech thee, in this and every land evangelists and heralds of thy kingdom, that thy Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Saviour Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Lesson - Acts 1:1-9


The Holy Gospel - St. Luke 10:1-9


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