|
Son of King Saint Canute of Denmark. Raised in the court of his maternal
grandfather, Robert de Frison, Count of Flanders. Fought in the second
Crusade. Succeeded Robert II as count of Flanders. Married into the
family of the Duke of Clermont. His rule was a continuous defense of the
poor against profiteers of his time, both clerical and lay. Called "the
Good" by popular acclamation. Reformed laws to make them more fair,
supported the poor, fed the hungry, walked barefoot to Mass each day.
Martyred in the church of Saint Donatian at Bruges by Borchard, part of
a conspiracy of the rich whom he had offended. He is venerated at
Bruges.
Born: 1083
Died: beheaded on 2 March 1127; relics at the Cathedral of Bruges
Beatified: 1883 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed)
Name Meaning: strong; manly
Patronage: counts, Crusaders
Representation: nobleman with a purse and a sword; after his
martyrdom in the cathedral
|
