Saint Thorlac Thorhallsson

Biography

Saint Thorlac Thorhallsson, also known as Thorlac Thorhalli or Porlakr Thorhallsson, was born in 1133 to a noble family in Iceland. From a young age, he displayed deep piety and a strong calling to serve the Church. By the remarkable age of 15, Thorlac was ordained a deacon, and by 18, he was ordained as a priest. Seeking a broader education and spiritual formation, Thorlac embarked on a journey to Europe. He studied in renowned religious centers such as Paris, France, and Lincoln, England. During his time abroad, he also had the opportunity to visit London, further enriching his knowledge and experiences. In 1161, Thorlac returned to his native Iceland, where he was faced with an arranged marriage proposal to a wealthy widow. However, he followed the calling of his heart and declined the offer in favor of dedicating his life entirely to God's service. With the means acquired from his farmland, Thorlac established an Augustinian abbey known as þykkvabær, where he served as its abbot. The monastery flourished under his devoted leadership, and he oversaw its spiritual and temporal affairs with great care. Recognizing his exceptional qualities, the Church appointed Thorlac as the Bishop of Skalholt, a position he humbly accepted. As a bishop, he diligently fought against simony, the practice of buying or selling sacred offices or spiritual favors, and incontinence, referring to unchaste behavior among clergy. He aimed to restore a sense of integrity, piety, and holiness within the Church in Iceland. Saint Thorlac Thorhallsson died on 23 December 1193 at the Skalholt bishopric, where he had served faithfully for many years. His passing was peaceful and attributed to natural causes. His death left a great void in the hearts of the faithful who had come to admire and respect him for his unwavering dedication to God. The Icelandic Allthing, a parliamentary institution, recognized the sanctity and impact of Thorlac's life, and he was canonized in 1198. Many centuries later, on 14 January 1984, Pope John Paul II confirmed his sainthood through canonization, affirming his exemplary virtues and sanctity. Saint Thorlac Thorhallsson is venerated as the patron saint of Iceland, where his memory is celebrated on 23 December. Additionally, his feast day is also observed on 20 July, in commemoration of the translation of his relics. Throughout the centuries, Saint Thorlac's story has served as an inspiration for countless faithful, reminding them of the transformative power of faith, humility, and steadfast commitment to God.