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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
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