Saint Canute IV
Saint Canute IV (also Knud IV; born c. 1042 AD; died July 10, 1086 AD in Odense, Denmark) was King of Denmark from 1080 to 1086 and martyr. He was murdered while seeking sanctuary at the altar of Saint Alban's Church in Odense by a mob of rebellious nobles and peasants who resented his firm rule and heavy taxation. He was canonized in 1101 by Pope Paschal II and is the patron saint of Denmark. His feast day is January 19.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Canute Iv
| Saint Canute IV | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | January 19 |
| Profession | King of Denmark (1080–1086); martyr |
| Rel. Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church; Kingdom of Denmark |
| Patronage | Denmark; Danish people; kings |
| Attributes | Crown; scepter; palm of martyrdom; royal armor |
| Birthplace | Denmark |
| Death Place | Odense, Funen, Denmark |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; stabbed at the altar of Saint Alban's Church, Odense, by rebel nobles and peasants |
| Primary Shrine | Odense Cathedral (Saint Canute's Cathedral), Odense, Denmark |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar); observed in Denmark |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Canute IV was the son of King Sweyn II of Denmark. He became king in 1080 after defeating rivals for the throne. He was a pious and energetic ruler who sought to strengthen the Church in Denmark, enforcing the payment of tithes and founding monasteries and churches. He also pursued ambitious plans to invade England, which he had a claim to as the grandson of Canute the Great, but these expeditions were frustrated.
His demands for tithes and tribute provoked a widespread rebellion among the Danish peasantry and nobility. In 1086, while taking refuge in the Church of Saint Alban in Odense, he was surrounded by a mob of rebels who stoned the building and eventually broke in. Canute knelt before the altar to receive Communion and was then killed, along with his brother Benedict and several companions.
He was canonized by Pope Paschal II on January 19, 1101 — one of the first Scandinavian kings to be canonized. Odense Cathedral, the principal church of the city, is dedicated to him and is known as Saint Canute's Cathedral (Sankt Knuds Kirke). His relics are preserved there.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Denmark
Death location: Odense, Funen, Denmark
Notable location: City where he was martyred; Saint Canute's Cathedral (Odense Cathedral) is dedicated to him (Odense, Funen, Denmark)
Notable location: Capital of his kingdom; royal center (Copenhagen (Roskilde), Zealand, Denmark)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Odense Cathedral (Sankt Knuds Kirke), Odense, Denmark — principal shrine; his relics are preserved in the crypt.
Canonization
Saint Canute IV was canonized on January 19, 1101 by Pope Paschal II in Rome.
Feast day
January 19
Veneration
Saint Canute IV is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on January 19. He is the patron saint of Denmark.
Prayers
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