Saint Botwid of Sudermannland

Biography

Saint Botwid of Södermanland, also known as Botwid of Sudermannland, Botuid, Botuidus, Botvid, Botvido, Botvidus, Botwidus, and Botwinus, was born in the province of Sudermannland, Sweden. He was raised as a pagan in a society deeply rooted in Norse mythology. However, through a series of events, Botwid's life would take a transformative turn. It is believed that Botwid, fueled by his own curiosity and a desire for spiritual truth, embarked on a journey to England. It was there that he encountered Christianity and felt a profound resonance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Inspired by his newfound faith, Botwid underwent a deep conversion experience and decided to return to his homeland as a missionary. Botwid ventured back to the region of Södermanland, situated in southeastern Sweden, where he passionately dedicated himself to spreading the Gospel and sharing the message of Christ's love with his fellow countrymen. He fearlessly preached, taught, and engaged in charitable works, leaving a profound impact on the lives of many. However, this heroic missionary journey was abruptly cut short when Botwid encountered a tragic end. One of his own converts, an apostate Finnish pagan slave whom Botwid had previously instructed in the faith, turned against him. This treacherous act resulted in the murder of Saint Botwid, a martyr for the Christian faith. Some representations of Saint Botwid depict him holding an axe, symbolizing the weapon that was used to unjustly take his life. Additionally, another representation portrays him holding a fish, alluding to the legendary story surrounding his death. According to tradition, after Botwid's murder, a miraculous event occurred—a large catch of fish appeared in the waters near his death site. Botwid's martyrdom occurred in the year 1120 on the island of Rogö in Lake Mälaren, Sweden. It is said that a healing spring sprang forth from the spot where he died, bearing witness to the sanctity and significance of his sacrifice. After Botwid's untimely death, his body remained incorrupt until it was discovered by Christians who were searching for the missing martyr. His remains were then interred at Botkirk, in Sudermannland, Sweden. Reports of miracles associated with his grave spread throughout the region, leading to many conversions and an outpouring of veneration for Saint Botwid. In 1129, a wooden church was erected at the burial site to commemorate his memory. Over time, his relics were transferred to Botkyrka, Sweden, and enshrined in a stone church that was dedicated to him by Archbishop Stephen of Uppsala in 1176. Saint Botwid's patronage is not explicitly documented, but his life and martyrdom serve as a shining example of unwavering faith, missionary zeal, and love for others. His story continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace and stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity and persecution. The feast day of Saint Botwid of Södermanland is celebrated on the 28th of July, commemorating his martyrdom and allowing faithful believers to honor his memory and seek his intercession as a powerful advocate in heaven. Apart from Botkyrka, Sweden, some relics of Saint Botwid are also enshrined in the diocese of Linköping, Sweden, further spreading his spiritual influence.