December 23
Thorlakur (1133–1193)
Bishop
He was born and died in Iceland, which had been evangelized by Irish monks and which had accepted Catholicism as the state religion.
Biography
However, Roman influence was little felt and the churches, like the pagan temples of old, continued to belong to the feudal lords, who also appointed ecclesiastical positions; As for the clergy, celibacy could never be imposed on them. Becoming bishop of Skalhot, Thorlakur strove, without success, to repress abuses, such as the polygamy that reigned among his faithful. These, however, canonized him right after his death, because they admired the sanctity of his life so much. His devotion continued to flourish until the Reformation, when the entire island converted to Lutheranism.
Practical advice
With simplicity and joy, pray for the Pope, the bishops and the priests and end with a brief thanksgiving.