Vinland:St Ivar
St Ivar- unofficial patron of Vinland[edit]
Ivar was born in Norway in the year 987 AD. His parentage is uncertain, but his father is supoosed to have been an itinerant merchant and his mother a servingwoman in the household of a godar. The boy was clever and noted to be a fast learner. Early in life his master persuaded the local priest to take him on as a student. He did well at his studies, and became a priest himself at age 21. He traveled to the fledgling colony of Vinland to help spread the Gospel there.On the way, he was thrown overboard in a storm and nearly drowned. After being rescued form drowning when he was thrown overbaord in a storm[by a superstitious captain who thought he was bad luck] he nearly died of a terrible fever. Upon recovery, he manifested spirtitual gifts. He was very successful in easing tensions that had developed between the settlers and natives. The young priest had the gift of tongues. He was able to communicate with the Skraeling people living in the country, despite never having been taught their language. Ivar also showed great power over evil spirits .He made great efforts to convert the natives. He was martyred at age 37 by angry Skraelings. The manner of his death was drowning after being tortured with dragging and being beaten with clubs. His body is said to have wept tears after his corporeal death. His remains were subsequently recovered and buried with honor in Vinland. St Ivar once travelled among the Skraelings of the deep interior, returning with awful burn marks on his body, and no converts in tow. He never spoke to his disciples of what he saw inland. Immediately after returning, he is upposed to have written a text about his travels, but it has never surafaced. Many doubt that it ever existed .
Since his death, he has been venerated by increasing numbers of Vinlander Christians. His cult clamors to gain recognition from Rome for their patron. The current Bishop of Vinland is at the forefront of this effort. | Main page
