St. Helen of Skofde

  Posted on August 22, 2024  by admin  No comments

Born: 12th century Vastergotland, Sweden

Died: murdered c.1160, miracles reported at her tomb

Canonized: 1164 by Pope Alexander III

Patronage: falsely accused people, in-law problems, martyrs, Vastergotland, Sweden, widows.

Also known as Helen of Skovde, Elin

Born to the Swedish nobility. She married young, and was the mother of one daughter. Built the church of Skofde, Sweden. Widowed early in her marriage, after which she gave away most of her fortune to the poor. Helen’s son-in-law was murdered by his own servants because of his cruelty. Soon after, Helen left on a pilgrimage, and when the son-in-law’s family arrived to investigate the death, the servants blamed it on Helen, claiming her pilgimage was a cover for fleeing justice. The in-laws believed the story, tracked her down, and killed her.