A portrait of St. Magnus Erlendsson
St. Magnus Erlendsson
c. 1080 – April 16, 1115 or 1117
Feast
April 16 · XII c.
Patron of
The Orkney Islands · Fishermen of the North Sea
Order
Earl / Martyr
Earl of Orkney, who shared the rule of the islands with his cousin Haakon. Renowned for his piety, including his famous refusal to take part in a Viking raid on Anglesey (where he sang psalms while his comrades plundered), he sought peace with his cousin at a meeting on the small island of Egilsay. There he was treacherously murdered on Haakon's orders. His shrine at St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall remains a place of pilgrimage today.
Life & Times
Also known as: Magnus of Orkney; Magnus the Martyr · Born: c. 1080 · Died: April 16, 1115 or 1117 · From: Orkney Islands; Norway; Scotland.
Patronage
St. Magnus Erlendsson is invoked as the patron of the orkney islands, fishermen of the north sea. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Magnus Erlendsson, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.