Bishop Fredrik Hansen of Oslo has begun preparations to open the beatification cause of the Norwegian author Sigrid Undset (1882–1949). He announced the initiative on 8 July during the closing Mass of the Selja pilgrimage.
Bishop Hansen said that he had studied Undset’s life and concluded that she enjoys a genuine reputation for holiness. The matter has also been discussed with the Nordic Bishops’ Conference and with scholars familiar with Undset’s life and work. The aim is to open the diocesan phase of the cause later this year.
Undset, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928, was received into the Catholic Church in 1924. Bishop Hansen described her as a model of Christian faith, virtuous living and the pursuit of holiness. He also highlighted her fidelity to the Church, her love of neighbour and the lasting spiritual influence of her literary work.
If the diocesan phase is opened, the Church will begin its official investigation into Undset’s life and reputation for holiness. If the cause eventually reaches a successful conclusion, she could become the first Norwegian saint of the modern era.
Like Undset, the other Norwegian Nobel Prize laureate in Literature, Jon Fosse, is also a Catholic. Fosse was received into the Catholic Church in 2013.
Fides / katolsk.no