Spoken English Audio
Saint Thorlac: True Ambassador for Christ
St. Thorlac often acted as mediator: between feuding parties, between chieftains and the Church, and between penitents and God. It may be said that he took the role of ambassador in these matters, since in each case he was acting as a diplomat for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Thorlac may have been quiet and humble, but he never flinched in his duties as Ambassador for Christ to chieftains, archbishops and kings... and, even more, to ordinary people.
St. Thorlac was no stranger to political tension. When elected Bishop of Skálholt, he validly received this office from his predecessor; however, formal consecration could only be conferred by the Archbishop of Norway, who in turn required consent from the King. The political hostilities between Iceland and Norway at the time found the King unwilling to consent, even threatening violence against Iceland. St. Thorlac held steadfast to his request, asking nothing more than acceptance and validation of his election. Eventually, his quiet perseverance won out, and the King’s blessing was given. (16)
St. Thorlac was as much a diplomat between the Church and its people. He ranked highly as Bishop, yet preferred the company of common folk. He held himself to high personal standards of fasting and abstinence, but if, for instance, he attended a banquet where alcohol was served, he gave the gracious appearance of sipping his drink in appreciation, but secretly, never truly imbibed. (17) In another example of his magnanimity, it was revealed at St. Thorlac’s funeral that he had quietly cared for a man with leprosy until his death. (18) Such was the way of Bishop Thorlac, faithful representative of Jesus to all he met.
St. Thorlac, True Ambassador for Christ: Pray For Us!