St Bridget

Patron Saint of Europe, Sweden, widows, parents of large families, and pilgrims.

Feast Day: July 23rd

Religious

Uppland, Sweden

Public Domain: Beata Brígida, de Jerónimo Cosida (Museo de Navarra) via Wikimedia Commmons.

Feast Day: July 23rd

Religious

Uppland, Sweden

About

St. Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373), also known as Birgitta Birgersdotter, was a mystic, visionary, and founder of the Order of the Most Holy Savior (the Bridgettines). Born into a noble family, she was married to Ulf Gudmarsson and raised eight children, including St. Catherine of Sweden. After her husband’s death, Bridget devoted herself entirely to prayer and works of charity. She became known throughout Europe for her mystical visions of Christ’s Passion, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and heavenly realities, which she faithfully recorded and shared with the Church. Her revelations inspired countless Christians to deepen their devotion to the sufferings of Jesus.

Legacy

St. Bridget is remembered as a wife, mother, widow, and religious founder who lived holiness in every state of life. She traveled to Rome, where she worked for Church reform, cared for the poor, and wrote letters to popes and rulers, calling them to holiness. Her mystical writings and prayers earned her a reputation as one of the most influential women of the Middle Ages. Among the devotions attributed to her is the 12 Year Prayer of St. Bridget, a set of meditations on the Passion of Christ revealed in her visions. This prayer invites the faithful to meditate daily on Jesus’ sufferings for a period of twelve years, drawing them into a deeper union with His sacrifice.

“O Lord, make my heart burn with the fire of Your love, so that I may love nothing but what You love and desire nothing but what You desire.” — St. Bridget of Sweden