Botvid was born in the province of Sudermannland in Sweden and came
from a pagan family. Pagans were people who believed in false gods and
false teachings. When he went to England, he got converted and became
a Christian. Although he was not a priest, he had a great wish to
spread the good news of the gospel. He wanted to share the gospel
message with his own countrymen and decided to be a lay missionary.
St. Botvid returned to Sweden to work for the Lord there. After many
years he decided it would be good to have the Gospel preached in
Finland, too. So he bought a Finnish slave and taught him the Catholic
religion. He then set the slave free to go back to Finland and take the
good news of salvation to his people.
That man repaid the saint for his goodness by a terrible act of
ingratitude. St. Botvid set out in a boat to take him across the Baltic
sea to Finland. When they went ashore and the saint was asleep, the
wicked slave killed Botvid and sailed away with the boat.
When the saint did not return, friends searched for him until they
found his body. He died in 1100. St. Botvid is honored as a martyr of
charity and as one of the apostles of Sweden.
Reflection:
Today we might consider showing our appreciation and gratitude to
people who have helped us in so many ways, especially our parents and
teachers.
