19th January, St Canute IV, King and Martyr

St Canute IV, King and Martyr

St. Canute having ascended the throne of Denmark (1080-1086), ardently endeavoured to spread the faith in his kingdom. His charity and his zeal for religion soon made him enemies who put him to death while he was praying at the foot of the altar in the church of St. Alban. God made manifest the holiness of His servant by numerous miracles wrought at his tomb.

In virtute tua, Domine laetabitur justus: et super salutare tuum exsultabit vehementer: desiderium animae ejus tribuisti ei. * Quoniam praevenisti eum in bendictionibus dulcedinis: posuisti in capite ejus coronam de lapide pretioso.
In Thy strength, O Lord, the just man shall joy and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly: Thou hast given him his heart's desire. For Thou hast prevented him with blessing of sweetness: Thous hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.
(Psalm 20:2-3,4 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, quid ad illustrandam Ecclesiam tuam, beatum Canutum regem martyrii palma et gloriosis miraculis decorare dignatur es: concede propitus; ut, sicut ipse Dominicae passionis imitator fuit, ita nos per ejus vestigia gradientes, ad gaudia sempiterna pervenire mereamur.
O God, Who, for the greater glory of Thy Church, wast pleased to adorn blessed Canute the king with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant that walking in the footsteps of him who followed our Lord in His sufferings, we may deserve to attain eternal joys.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03307a.htm