Anskar, also known by his Latin name Ansgarius or Ansgar, the “apostle of the north” (Scandinavia) had enough frustrations to become a saint — so he did.

Anskar became a Benedictine at Corbie, France, where he had been educated. When the king of Denmark became a convert, Ansgar went to Denmarkfor 3 years as a missionary, without noticeable success. Then Sweden asked for Christian missionaries, so he went there, suffering capture by pirates and other hardships on the way. Fewer than 2 years later, he was recalled, to become abbot of New Corbie (Corvey) and bishop of Hamburg. The pope made him legate for the Scandinavian missions. Funds for the northern apostolate stopped with Emperor Louis’s death. After 13 years’ work in Hamburg, Ansgar saw it burned to the ground by invading Northmen; Sweden and Denmark returned to paganism.

He directed new apostolic activities in the North, traveling to Denmark and being instrumental in the conversion of another king. By the strange device of casting lots, the king of Sweden allowed the Christian missionaries to return.

Biographers remark that Anskar was an extraordinary preacher, a humble and ascetical priest. He was devoted to the poor and the sick, imitating the Lord in washing their feet and waiting on them at table. He attacked the slave-trade of the Vikings, but was unable to end it. Anskar was not very successful in Sweden, which soon reverted to paganism, until the 11th century. His greatest achievements were in Denmark (of which country he is the patron saint) and in northern Germany.

History records what people do, rather than what they are. Yet the courage and perseverance of men and women like Anskar is a lesson for us all....God tells us to go and do....the outcome is more up to Him than us....the numbers we bring to Christ aren't important the only thing that will matter before His throne is that we have been obedient to the call.

BORN: 8 September 801 AD, Amiens, France

DIED: 3 February 865 AD, Bremen, Germany