Saint Sunniva: Norway’s First and Forgotten Saint
July 8, 2025
Every year on July 8th, Norwegians honor a remarkable woman whose legacy predates even the most famous Viking kings. St. Sunniva—a 10th-century Irish princess turned Christian martyr—is Norway’s first and oldest saint, and her story blends history, legend, and deep spiritual devotion.
Her feast day, known as Seljumannamesse, commemorates not just her martyrdom but a spiritual turning point in Norway’s long and complex path toward Christianity.
According to legend, Sunniva was the heir to a small Irish kingdom. When a pagan ruler sought her hand in marriage, she fled with her brother Alban and a group of faithful companions across the sea. Their destination: the uninhabited island of Selja, off the western coast of Norway.
But this was the age of the Vikings, and pagan rule still gripped much of Norway. When local chieftain Haakon Sigurðarson heard rumors of strange foreigners, he sailed to Selja with violent intent. To escape defilement, Sunniva and her companions prayed for divine protection—and the caves they hid in miraculously collapsed, burying them alive.
Their sacrifice was soon rewarded with sainthood.
Years later, a supernatural light was seen hovering above Selja. Farmers investigating the glow discovered sweet-smelling bones and a radiant skull. King Olaf Tryggvason, along with Bishop Sigurd, traveled to the site and found Sunniva’s body incorrupt, as if peacefully asleep. Her remains were enshrined, and a Benedictine monastery—Selje Abbey—was built on the site.
In 1170, her relics were moved to Bergen, where they were credited with halting fires, curing the sick, and drawing pilgrims from across Scandinavia. Today, Orthodox Christians still recognize St. Sunniva as a true saint, alongside St. Olav and St. Hallvard.
St. Sunniva is the patron saint of Bergen and the Diocese of Bjørgvin, her memory woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of Norway. Though her story began in Ireland, she is a uniquely Norwegian symbol of faith, sacrifice, and divine calling.
Her legacy includes:
Selje Abbey ruins, now a place of pilgrimage.
St. Sunniva School in Oslo and other institutions bearing her name.
A surge in the popularity of her name—Sunniva—in modern Norway.
A touching novella inspired by her life, written by Nobel Laureate Sigrid Undset.
You can learn more about her here:
📖 Why Her Story Still Matters
St. Sunniva’s life stands as a radiant example of choosing spiritual integrity over worldly power. In a time of religious transition, her quiet martyrdom opened a path for the Christianization of Norway—not by force, but by witness.
At a time when we're all called to revisit our values, priorities, and faith traditions, St. Sunniva reminds us that courage often wears the face of surrender, and that true power lies in divine trust.
On July 8th, pilgrims travel again to the island of Selja. Masses are held, candles lit, and the memory of the saint who hid in a cave to keep her soul intact is kept alive.
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May the light of St. Sunniva guide you toward peace, purpose, and the courage to follow your calling—no matter where it leads.
This is interesting. I am headed to Bergen tomorrow. After walking part of the Camino de Santiago last month, it's cool to see other places of pilgrimage.
St. Sunniva's story is interesting. Buy it does remind me that one needs to be careful of what you wish for!
On a synchronistic note- this is now the fourth time that the Norwrgian town of Bergen has been brought up to my notice I the past two weeks. We have an old family friend from there - it must be time to check up on her, I'm thinking 🤔.