Saint Lydwina of Schiedam - The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, Edmond, Oklahoma

Saint Lydwina of Schiedam

1380 - 1433

April 15

Also known as:  Lidwina of Shiedam; Lydwid; Lidwid


Profile
Her father was a poor noble, and her mother a poor commoner. Lydwina early evinced a devotion of Our Lady of Schiedam. Injured in an ice-skating accident at age 16, the broken rib caused gangrene to set in, she became paralyzed and suffered for decades. She prayed, meditated, and offered her pain to God.

Developed a devotion to the Eucharist. Given to ecstatic visions in which she was shown Heaven and Purgatory, participated in Christ's Passion, and was visited by saints. Legend says that she had the gift of inedia, and that her only food for her last 19 years was the Eucharist. Miracles occurred at her bed side. Sometimes accused of being possessed, and tested by priests. Blind her last seven years. Her final vision was of Christ administering last rites to her. Biography written by Saint Thomas a Kempis.


Born
18 April 1380 at Schiedam, Holland


Died
14 April (Easter) 1433


Canonized
14 March 1890 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed)


Patronage
bodily ills, ice skating, prolonged suffering, roller skating sick people, sickness, skaters, skating

Representation
cripple holding a crucifix; cripple receiving a branch of roses from an angel; cripple receiving a lily from the angel; cripple with a cross and rosary; girl falling on ice while skating; girl working on embroidery