St. Niels Stenson

Niels Steensen, a Danish geologist and anatomist, is considered a founding figure of geology. He was born into an extended Lutheran family where two of his uncles were pastors in the church. He earned a doctorate in medicine in 1663. In 1666, his careful research and consideration led him into the Catholic faith. His spiritual journey did not end there as he later became a priest, Bishop, and was eventually canonized as a saint. In a letter to a friend, Niels wrote about his search for truth when he said: " (He) employed every conceivable opportunity to seek the truth, convinced that God would enlighten my mind with his light, so that I could come to a position where I could acknowledge the truth that I sought with a sincere heart".