Kjeld (Ketil, Latin Chetillus or Ketillus; also called Exsuperius after ordination) was born about the year 1100 to prosperous parents on a farm near Randers in Jutland. From childhood his family destined him for the Church. He studied in Lübeck, then was called by Bishop Eskil of Viborg, ordained priest, and received among the Augustinian canons of the cathedral chapter. The canons kept the Divine Office, assisted the bishop, and lived under the Rule of Saint Augustine. Kjeld was soon placed over the cathedral school and about 1145 elected dean (provost) of the chapter.
He was known as gentle, merciful, and utterly generous: whatever he could spare—and often the chapter's own resources—he gave to the sick, the poor, and the needy. Tradition records that in 1145, when fire swept toward Viborg, he raced up the cathedral tower and prayed fervently that God would spare city and church; the blaze soon lessened. On a journey to Lund he was seized by Slavs and forced to pay ransom; once free, the archbishop gave him a ring and the king gold, all of which he immediately distributed to the poor.
His free-handed use of chapter goods provoked the canons. They deposed him and chose another dean. Kjeld withdrew for a time to Aalborg, where he was loved, yet he longed to preach Christ among the Wends and win a martyr's crown. He made pilgrimage to Rome, venerated the tombs of the Apostles, and sought leave of Pope Eugene III (1145–1153) for the Wendish mission. The Pope granted permission but urged him rather to resume his office at Viborg; a papal letter compelled the chapter to receive him again as dean. Shortly afterward, on 27 September 1150, Kjeld died in Viborg and was buried in the cathedral.
Soon miracles were reported at his grave: the sick recovered and, according to his medieval vita, at least twelve blind persons regained sight. Bishop Niels of Viborg had a life written and petitioned Rome. In 1188 Pope Clement III consented; on 11 July 1189 Archbishop Absalon celebrated the local elevation of the relics. A chapel, altar, and reliquary known as "Saint Kjeld's Ark" became the heart of the cult at Viborg Cathedral; a healing well marked his first burial place. The feast of 11 July was kept with processions, Masses, and a great fair; devotion spread through Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Though the Ark perished in the fire of 1726, the memory of this "Saint Francis of the North" endured. He is the patron saint of canons.
May Saint Kjeld obtain for us a generous heart that spends itself for the poor and returns in humble obedience to the place God assigns.
