Saint Sunniva of Bergen

Biography

Saint Sunniva of Bergen, also known as Sunniva of Norway, Sunniva of Selja, Sunnif, Sunnifa, Synnöve, was the daughter of a tenth-century Irish king. Born into a noble family, Sunniva's life took a dramatic turn when she faced the prospect of an arranged marriage with an invading pagan king. Determined to devote her life to God and avoid this marriage, Sunniva, along with her brother Alban and several female companions, bravely fled her homeland. Seeking refuge and solitude, Sunniva and her companions settled in a cave on the beautiful island of Selje, located off the Norwegian coast. Here, they dedicated themselves to a life of prayer, contemplation, and the pursuit of holiness. They embraced a simple existence, living off the land and seeking solace in their communal devotion. However, their peaceful existence was interrupted when Viking locals suspected them of stealing cattle. Unjustly accused, Sunniva and her companions faced the threat of violence when an armed band was sent to attack them. Yet, divine providence intervened, sealing the entrance of their cave with a landslide. Tragically, none of the exiles were ever seen alive again. Years later, around 995, reports of strange lights in the vicinity caught the attention of King Olaf Tryggvason. Intrigued and sensing the presence of the sacred, the king ordered the cave to be opened. To his awe and amazement, he discovered the incorrupt body of Saint Sunniva. Recognizing the divine nature of this discovery, King Olaf Tryggvason decided to honor her memory by building a church on the sacred site. Over time, the story of Saint Sunniva was retold and revised, often intertwining elements of Saint Ursula's history. Some versions portrayed Sunniva as a nun, leading a group of pious sisters in their quest for solitude. Post-Reformation sources introduced two sisters of Sunniva, Saint Borni and Saint Marita, while also emphasizing her brother Saint Alban's role in their journey. Saint Sunniva's feast days are celebrated on July 8th and August 31st, which commemorates the translation of her relics. Though canonized before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, she is recognized as a saint through her pre-congregation canonization. Bergen, Norway, and the entire Norwegian west coast have embraced Saint Sunniva as their patron, seeking her intercession and guidance. Her inspiring story serves as a reminder of unwavering faith and the courage to choose God's path, even in the face of adversity.