St. Ansgar

St. Ansgar endured political upheaval, Viking attacks, and repeated setbacks while patiently establishing Christian missions in Denmark and Sweden.

The story

Ansgar was born in 801 within the Frankish realm, probably near Amiens. After his mother’s death, he was educated at the Benedictine abbey of Corbie in present-day France. He became a monk there and later taught at Corbie’s daughter monastery, New Corvey, in Saxony. His friend and successor, St. Rimbert, wrote the principal early account of his life.

In 826 the exiled Danish king Harald Klak was baptized at the court of Emperor Louis the Pious. When Harald returned toward Denmark, Ansgar accompanied him as a missionary. The political situation was unstable, and the mission achieved limited immediate success. Ansgar nevertheless taught the faith, cared for children, and sought to prepare native clergy rather than make the mission permanently dependent on foreigners.

Around 829 messengers from Sweden requested Christian teachers. Ansgar traveled through dangerous territory to Birka, an important trading center on Lake Mälaren. Pirates attacked the party, taking many possessions and forcing the missionaries to complete much of the journey on foot. At Birka, Ansgar received permission from King Björn to preach. Among the early converts was Herigar, a royal official who became an influential Christian supporter.

In 831 Ansgar was appointed bishop of the new see of Hamburg. Pope Gregory IV confirmed his missionary responsibility and made him papal legate for the northern peoples. His work suffered a severe blow in 845 when Vikings sacked Hamburg and destroyed its church, monastery, library, and other resources. Ansgar escaped with little. Rather than abandon the mission, he continued from Bremen, which became united with his ecclesiastical charge.

Ansgar renewed Christian contacts in Denmark under Kings Horik I and Horik II and returned to Sweden around 852. He secured permission for churches and public Christian worship, although the region remained largely non-Christian during his lifetime. He also opposed the slave trade and used his limited resources to ransom captives. Ansgar died at Bremen on February 3, 865. He was not martyred, despite his desire to give his life completely for the Gospel. Venerated from ancient times, he is called the Apostle of the North. His optional memorial appears in the General Roman Calendar on February 3.

What Ansgar teaches

St. Ansgar teaches perseverance when missionary work seems fragile or unsuccessful. Evangelization depends upon fidelity to Christ rather than visible results. CCC 854 explains that the Church advances on mission through a gradual process that often includes setbacks and renewed beginnings.

Patronage

Denmark, Sweden, Scandinavia, missionaries, Archdiocese of Hamburg.

Prayer

St. Ansgar, pray that you may obtain courage and endurance for all who proclaim the Gospel in difficult places. Help the peoples of Scandinavia rediscover their Christian inheritance and grow in living faith. Amen.