Sigfrid (d. 1045) was a priest from England who was sent to Norway because the Christian King Olaf Tryggvason wanted missionaries working in his country. Two other priests joined Sigfrid on this journey. After ministering in Norway for a time, the three priests also traveled to Sweden. Sigfrid was responsible for converting the king of Sweden to Christianity. The king named the river in which he had been baptized after Sigfrid. Scholars believe that as part of his missionary work, Sigfrid ordained two bishops to carry on the work of the Gospel. Once while he was away, some of Sigfrid’s assistants were killed. The king wanted the murderers sentenced to death, but Sigfrid asked him to let them live, which he did. Sigfrid’s ministry also spread into Denmark. We honor him on Feb. 15.
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