St. Olaf - The Light of Norway

Rebroadcast of the long-running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour," a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org

Olaf II Haraldsson was born c. 995. The son of King Harald Grenske of Norway, he spent most of his youth as a Norse raider until 1010 when he was baptized at Rouen. He ascended to the throne in 1015 and worked to advance the Christianization of the country, bringing clergy from England to organize the Church of Norway. By the end of the 11th century, the country was primarily Christian.

Olaf II was killed in battle on July 29, 1030. His popularity, church work, and the aura of legend that surrounded his death, which was supposedly accompanied by miracles, led to his canonization in 1031. His popularity spread rapidly; churches and shrines were constructed in his honor in England, Sweden, and Rome.