Feast day: May 18
When did St. Eric live: in the twelfth century
Biography of St. Eric:
St. Eric was King of Sweden from 1150. During his reign, he had a positive influence on Christianity. In fact, he successfully outfought the Finns and persuaded the bishop Henry of Uppsala to help him evangelize the Finns. Unfortunately, Eric was murdered in 1160 during a rebellion led by Swedish noblemen, who were allies of Prince Magnus of Denmark. Despite not being officially canonized, he is considered as the patron saint of Sweden.
Patronage: Patron saint of Sweden
Statues and wooden sculptures from Val Gardena representing St. Eric IX of Sweden - portrayal, symbolism and emblem: St. Eric of Sweden is shown as a king with a red coat and his royal insignia: the crown, the orb and the scepter.