Sunniva
Saint Sunniva is the patron saint of the Diocese of Bjørgvin and all of Western Norway. A 10th-century Irish princess, she is venerated for her martyrdom alongside her brother Alban, whose legend is intertwined with early Christian traditions in Norway.
- Feast Day
- 8 July
- Century
- 10th century
- Country Or Region
- Norway
Key Facts
- ›Sunniva was the heir of an Irish kingdom who fled with her brother Alban to Norway.
- ›They settled on the islands of Selja and Kinn during the rule of Jarl Hákon Sigurðarson.
- ›According to legend, they were killed when the caves they hid in collapsed to spare them from persecution.
- ›Sunniva's relics were discovered incorrupt and moved to Bergen in 1170, spreading her veneration.
- ›Her feast day, shared with Alban and companions, is celebrated on July 8th.
- ›Numerous institutions in Norway are named in her honor.
Sunnifa
Church of Norway, Catholic Church
Western Norway, Diocese of BjøRgvin
Bleached Skull, Sweet Smell, Incorrupt Body
About Sunniva
Saint Sunniva
Saint Sunniva (10th century), known in Old Norse as Sunnifa and from Old English as Sunngifu, is the patron saint of the Diocese of Bjørgvin and all of Western Norway. Her veneration is deeply intertwined with legend, which recounts her martyrdom alongside her brother Alban and their followers.
Legend and Historical Context
The primary source for Sunniva's legend is the Latin hagiography Acta sanctorum in Selio, composed shortly after 1170. This text was utilized by Oddr Snorrason in his Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar, in a section titled "tale of Alban and Sunniva." According to this account, Sunniva was the heir to an Irish kingdom but was forced to flee when an invading heathen king desired to marry her. She, her brother Alban (later accounts add sisters Borni and Marita), and their followers settled on the uninhabited Norwegian islands of Selja and Kinn during the rule of the pagan Jarl Hákon Sigurðarson (r. 962–995).
Suspicion from their Norwegian neighbors about stolen sheep led to Jarl Hákon's arrival on Selja. To escape his intended violence, Sunniva and her companions hid in caves, praying for God to collapse them to spare them from ravaging. The caves subsequently collapsed, resulting in the death of all the Irishmen.
Discovery of Relics and Veneration
Two farmers, Tord Eigileivsson and Tord Jorunsson, later discovered a supernatural light and a sweet-smelling bleached skull on Selja. Their account, after being corroborated by another witness, led King Olaf Tryggvason and Bishop Sigurd to investigate. They found many sweet-smelling bones and excavated a cave, recovering Sunniva's body, which was described as incorrupt and appearing as if asleep. Her bones were collected, and her body placed in a shrine.
The Benedictine Selja Abbey was built around 1100. Sunniva's local veneration dates to this period, though initially subordinate to that of her brother Alban. Her relics were moved to the new cathedral in Bergen in 1170, significantly spreading her veneration throughout Norway. During fires in Bergen in 1170/71 and 1198, her relics were reportedly credited with halting the fire's advance.
Legacy
The shrine containing Sunniva's relics remained in Bergen's Christ Church until 1531, when it was transferred to Munkeliv monastery. The shrine was lost when the monastery was destroyed in 1536. The feast day of Alban, Sunniva, and their companions is July 8th. Sunniva also has a separate feast day commemorating her translation to Bergen in 1170, observed on August 31st or September 7th.
Numerous institutions in Norway bear Saint Sunniva's name, including churches, schools, and healthcare facilities. The municipality of Selje introduced a coat of arms depicting Sunniva in 1991, and Stad Municipality followed suit in 2020, underscoring her continued cultural and religious significance in Norway.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Sunniva?
Saint Sunniva was a 10th-century Irish princess who, according to legend, fled her kingdom with her brother Alban to escape an unwanted marriage. They settled in Norway, where they became martyrs.
What is Saint Sunniva known for?
She is primarily known as the patron saint of Western Norway and the Diocese of Bjørgvin. Her legend recounts her martyrdom alongside her brother and followers, and the miraculous discovery of her incorrupt relics.
Where is Saint Sunniva venerated?
Saint Sunniva is venerated in Norway, particularly in Western Norway. She is recognized by the Church of Norway and the Catholic Church. Her relics were housed in Bergen for a significant period.
When is Saint Sunniva's feast day?
The feast day of Saint Sunniva, shared with her brother Alban and their companions, is celebrated on July 8th. She also has a separate feast day commemorating her translation to Bergen on either August 31st or September 7th.
What is the story of Saint Sunniva's death?
According to the legend, Sunniva and her followers hid in caves on the island of Selja to escape the pagan Jarl Hákon. They prayed for divine intervention, and the caves collapsed, killing them all and sparing them from persecution.
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