Bishop Thorlak
Thorlak Thorhallsson was an Icelandic bishop who was canonised.
Thorlak was elected as Bishop of Skáholt in Iceland and consecrated in Nidaros Cathedral by Archbishop Øystein Erlendsson in 1178. Thorlak wanted control of the church to be removed from temporal chieftains and given over to the bishop. In 1186, he founded Iceland’s first convent at Kirkjubær, where he had previously served as a priest. He was said to be a resolute, energetic, and modest man, and showed great compassion for the poorest members of society. His strength was his knowledge, common sense and honourable lifestyle. Thorlak died in 1193 after a long period of failing health. He was declared a saint by Iceland’s Allting a few years later.
The statue
The statue depicts Thorlak wearing full episcopal regalia and with a book in his hand. With his other hand he makes the sign of a blessing.
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Feast day
23 December (the anniversary of his death, Tollemesse), 20 July (translation date)
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Attribute
Bishop’s garb, with a book in his hand
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Patron saint of
Iceland
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The sculpture
The statue was modelled by Anne Raknes and carved by Gunnar Olsen in 1965.
