Saint Canute Lavard
Saint Canute Lavard (born c. 1096 AD; died January 7, 1131 AD in Haraldsted, Zealand, Denmark) was a Danish prince, Duke of Schleswig and vassal king of the Wends, who was murdered by his cousin Magnus, son of King Niels of Denmark, out of envy and political rivalry. Venerated immediately after his death, he was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1169. His feast day is January 7.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Canute Lavard
| Saint Canute Lavard | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | January 07 |
| Profession | Danish prince; Duke of Schleswig; martyr |
| Rel. Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church; Kingdom of Denmark |
| Patronage | Denmark (secondary patron); princes |
| Attributes | Crown; ducal robes; palm of martyrdom |
| Birthplace | Denmark |
| Death Place | Haraldsted, Zealand, Denmark |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; murdered by his cousin Magnus out of political jealousy |
| Primary Shrine | Church of Saint Bendts, Ringsted, Zealand, Denmark |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar); observed in Denmark |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Canute Lavard (the word "Lavard" means "lord" in Old Norse) was the son of King Eric I of Denmark. He was a capable and popular prince who was made Duke of Schleswig and was also recognized as the vassal king of the Obotrite Slavs (Wends) by the Holy Roman Emperor. His growing power and prestige aroused the jealousy of his cousin Magnus.
On January 7, 1131, Magnus lured Canute to a meeting in the forest of Haraldsted in Zealand under the pretense of a friendly encounter, and there had him murdered. The killing sparked a civil war in Denmark that lasted years.
Canute was buried at the Church of Saint Bendts in Ringsted, which became a royal mausoleum for the Danish royal family. Miracles were immediately reported at his tomb. His son Valdemar I (Valdemar the Great) campaigned for his father's canonization, which was granted by Pope Alexander III on June 6, 1169.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Denmark
Death location: Haraldsted, Zealand, Denmark
Notable location: Church of Saint Bendts (Bendt's Church), where he is buried; principal shrine (Ringsted, Zealand, Denmark)
Notable location: He was Duke of Schleswig; governed this region (Schleswig, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Church of Saint Bendts (Bendt's Church), Ringsted, Zealand, Denmark — his burial place; the royal church of medieval Denmark; principal pilgrimage shrine.
Canonization
Saint Canute Lavard was canonized on June 6, 1169 by Pope Alexander III in Rome.
Feast day
January 7
Veneration
Saint Canute Lavard is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on January 7. He is venerated in Denmark alongside Saint Canute IV.
Prayers
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