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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
c. 841 –November 20, 869
Patron Saint of kings, pandemics, torture victims, the diocese of East Anglia, the English county of Suffolk
St. Edmund the Martyr (c. 841–869) was a young king whose courage and faith left a lasting mark on the Christian heritage of England. Born in Saxony, St. Edmund came to the throne of East Anglia around the age of 14. Despite his youth, he exemplified fairness, devotion to justice, and dedication to Christ.
During his reign, more than 5,000 Viking invaders advanced their armies across England, arriving in East Anglia in 865. Their intent was not to raid and pillage the land, but to conquer the people and settle the vast Anglian territories. St. Edmund, considering his immediate choices, negotiated a peace treaty by giving them horses as tribute to ensure peace.
While the Vikings eventually moved on to York, they returned a year later, demanding that St. Edmund renounce his faith and submit to their rule as their vassal. St. Edmund refused, declaring that he would never deny Christ or abandon his people.
St. Edmund’s army fought valiantly, but they were defeated, and the Vikings captured St. Edmund. He was tied to a tree, beaten, and shot with arrows. Even as he was tortured, he called upon the name of Jesus and was finally beheaded. His martyrdom quickly inspired devotion among the faithful, and miracles were reported at his burial site.
St. Edmund’s shrine at Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval England. St. Edmund was venerated as the first patron saint of England, symbolizing courage, justice, and steadfastness in the faith.
Although little is known about his short reign, St. Edmund’s willingness to die rather than betray Christ speaks powerfully across the centuries.
Despite his youth, St. Edmund the Martyr was a pious and devout Christian and a just ruler. He committed himself to learning by heart the Psalter, which contained the Book of Psalms that monks and nobles traditionally memorized. He was revered for his courage, compassion, and steadfastness in the face of death. He defended his people during the 9th-century Viking invasions and suffered martyrdom for refusing to renounce his Christian faith.
St. Edmund is recognized as the “first” patron saint of England. He was venerated as England’s patron saint for centuries, with pilgrims flocking to his shrine at Bury St. Edmunds. He is revered for his saintly martyrdom and is a symbol of unity among the people who settled in that region. During the Middle Ages, several saints, including St. Edmund, were considered nationally important. St. George’s popularity increased significantly in the 14th century, and a century later, St. George was named England’s sole patron saint.
The Viking invasions failed to conquer all of England due to a combination of strong Anglo-Saxon resistance and eventual Christian conversions and assimilation of Viking settlers into the local culture over time.
Reasons for England’s success include military reforms that were effective against Viking tactics, trained militias, fortified townships, and faster ships that gave England the advantage in battle. About 14 years after the first Viking invasion, a decisive battle resulted in the Viking leader Guthrum surrendering to England.
This eBook combines stunning photography from EWTN’s Vatican Bureau along with Bible passages and saints’ quotes that will calm your heart, give you hope, and remind you that God is with us always. Simply fill out the form below and we will send this to you!
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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