Saturday, April 19, 2014
Commemorations
Olavus Petri, Priest, d. 1552
Laurentius Petri, Archbishop of Uppsala, d. 1573
Renewers of the Church
Reflection
These two brothers ushered the Reformation into Sweden.
Both were educated in their native Uppsala, Sweden, as well as in Leipzig
and Wittenberg,
the cradle of the Reformation, where they studied under Martin Luther and
Philip Melanchthon. Upon returning to Sweden, a major thrust of their
work, particularly that of Olavus, was in the education of the clergy and the
laity. Olavus prepared a translation of the New Testament, the liturgy for
worship, a catechism, and a collection of hymns and canticles, all in Swedish.
Upon his return from Wittenberg,
Laurentius was appointed professor at the University of Uppsala.
Four years later, at the young age of 32, he was appointed bishop of Uppsala, overwhelmingly
approved by an assembly of the clergy from the whole realm. The two brothers
collaborated on the complete Bible in Swedish, published in 1541. By the time
of Laurentius’ death, the Reformation was complete throughout Sweden, which had become a
sovereign nation freed of Danish rule during the brothers’ lifetime.
Prayer
Gracious God, Thank you for your servants who labor to
translate your word into intelligible speech and whose fervor kindles the gift
of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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