St. Bridget of Sweden, born in 1303 to Birger Persson, a governor and wealthy landowner, and Ingeborg Bengtsdotter, a deeply religious woman, grew up in an atmosphere of piety and virtue. At the age of 14, Bridget married Ulf Gudmarsson, a nobleman with whom she had eight children. Together, they lived a life dedicated to charity and piety.
After her husband’s death, Bridget devoted herself entirely to prayer and works of charity. She founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior, also known as the Bridgettines, which focused on contemplative prayer, study, and serving the poor and needy. Bridget was known for her visions and mystical experiences, which she recorded in her famous work “Revelations of St. Bridget.”
Throughout her life, Bridget advocated for peace and reconciliation among European nations and the Church. She traveled extensively, visiting Rome several times and using her influence to promote spiritual renewal and reform. Bridget’s wisdom and holiness earned her the respect and admiration of many, including popes and kings.
St. Bridget of Sweden died in 1373 in Rome, where she had settled to be closer to the Holy See. She was canonized in 1391 and declared co-patroness of Europe in 1999 by Pope John Paul II.
Lessons:
Lesson 1: Devotion to Prayer and Charity: St. Bridget’s life exemplifies the importance of prayer and compassionate service to others. Her dedication to the Bridgettine Order and her works of charity inspire us to deepen our prayer lives and to reach out to those in need with love and compassion.Lesson 2: Advocacy for Peace and Reconciliation: Bridget’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation among nations and within the Church highlight the role of Christians in fostering unity and harmony. Her example encourages us to work for justice, peace, and reconciliation in our communities and beyond.
Prayer to St. Bridget of Sweden:
O God, who guided Saint Bridget of Sweden along different paths of life and wondrously taught her the wisdom of the Cross as she contemplated the Passion of Your Son, grant us, we pray, that, walking worthily in our vocation, we may seek You in all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Marcellus and Apuleius, (3rd Century), MartyrsOur Lady of Good RemedySt. Pelagia (5th Century), Penitent
image: Saint Bridget of Sweden. Line engraving after M. de Vos. Wellcome / See page for author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
