Friday, September 10, 2010

St. Hallvard (c.1020 to c.1043)


"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one."
(Marcus Aurelius)

At the monthly arts and culture event AHA! in New Bedford, Mass. last evening, I spent some time with a Norwegian couple I've known for several years. And, the more I get to know them, I see positive qualities that I would like to improve in myself. To be more patient, less stressed, and kinder to people, to name a few.
This is something that should be done on a daily basis. Being true to oneself is the best way to have a sound conscience. In order to do this, I've decided to live a more virtuous life filled with integrity.
Today's saint is also Norwegian.
St. Hallvard is the patron of protection of virtue. He was born c.1020 in Norway to a royal family. He lived a short life and became a saint for the way he died.
St. Hallvard was about to cross the Drammenfjord when a pregnant woman, wrongly accused of theft, begged to join him on his boat because she feared she would be killed. Since they didn't leave in enough time, the pursuants arrived and asked St. Hallvard to let the woman go. He refused saying that she was innocent.
They were both killed with a bow in c.1043. The woman was buried there on the beach and a millstone was tied to St. Hallvard who was then thrown into the sea. His body floated and was enshrined in Christ Church in Oslo, Norway.
St. Hallvard is remembered as an honorable young man and feast day is May 15.

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