Home · Saints · St. Henrik of Finland
Portrait of St. Henrik of Finland
A portrait of St. Henrik of Finland

St. Henrik of Finland

c. 1100 – January 20, 1156
Feast
January 19 · XII c.
Patron of
Finland · The Diocese of Turku
Order
Bishop / Martyr

English-born Bishop of Uppsala who joined the Swedish king Eric in a military expedition to Finland to evangelize the pagan population. Remaining in Finland after the king's return, he built churches and ministered to the new Christians until he was murdered by a peasant named Lalli, who resented being penanced for a crime. Despite the disputed historicity of some details, he has been venerated since the twelfth century as the patron saint of Finland.

Life & Times

Also known as: Henry of Uppsala; Henrik; Apostle of Finland · Born: c. 1100 · Died: January 20, 1156 · From: England; Uppsala, Sweden; Finland.

Patronage

St. Henrik of Finland is invoked as the patron of finland, the diocese of turku. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.

Shop St. Henrik of Finland Products

Devotional items honoring St. Henrik of Finland, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.

About Catholic Saints

Catholic saints, including St. Henrik of Finland, 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.