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Also known as
Birgitta of Sweden; Birgit of Sweden
Memorial
23 July; formerly 8 October
Profile
Daughter of Birger Persson, the governor and provincial judge of Uppland,
and of Ingeborg Bengtsdotter. Her father was one of the greatest
landowners in the country, her mother was known widely for her piety, and
the family were descendants of the Swedish royal house. Related to Saint
Ingrid.
Bridget began receiving visions, mostly of the Crucifixion, at age seven.
Her mother died c.1315 when the girl was about twelve years old, and she
was raised and educated by an equally pious aunt. In 1316, at age
thirteen, she wed prince Ulfo of Nercia in an arranged marriage. Mother of
eight children including Saint Catherine of Sweden; some of the other
children ignored the Church.
Friend and counselor to many priests and theologians of her day. Chief
lady-in-waiting to Queen Blanche of Namur in 1335, from which position she
counseled and guided the Queen and King Magnus II. After Ulfo's death in
1344 following a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, she pursued a
religious life, for which she was harassed by others at the court. She
eventually renounced her title of princess. Franciscan tertiary.
Cistercian. Mystic, visionary, and mystical writer. She recorded the
revelations given her in her visions, and these became hugely popular in
the Middle Ages.
Founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior (Bridgettines) at Vadstena in
1346. It received confirmation by Pope Urban V in 1370, and survives
today, though few houses remain. Pilgrim to Rome, Italian holy sites, and
the Holy Lands. Chastened and counseled kings and Popes Clement VI, Urban
VI, and Gregory XI, urging them to return to Rome from Avignon. Encouraged
all who would listen to meditate on the Passion, and of Jesus Crucified.
Born
1302-1303 at Finsta Castle, Uppsala, Sweden
Died
23 July 1373 at Rome, Italy; buried in 1374 at the Vadstena, Sweden
convent she founded
Canonized
7 October 1391 by Pope Boniface IX
Representation
abbess in Bridgettine robes with a cross on her forehead, and holding a
book and pilgrim's staff; book; head and cross; nun enthroned, with Christ
above her and hell below, while she gives books to the emperor and kings;
nun giving a book to Saint Augustine; nun in ecstasy before the crucifix
with instruments of the Passion nearby; nun reading, holding a cross, with
builders in the background; nun with a cross on her brow witnessing the
Birth of Christ, which she saw in one of her visions; nun with shells, a
sign of pilgrimage, sewn on her habit; nun writing with a pilgrim's
equipage nearby; nun writing with an angel hovering over her shoulder,
often whispering in her ear; nun writing with Christ and the Virgin
appearing before her; pilgrim's staff; small child at the Scourging of
Christ, which she saw in one of her visions
Readings
Eternal praise be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, for the time you endured
on the cross the greatest torments and sufferings for us sinners. The
sharp pain of your wounds fiercely penetrated even to your blessed soul
and cruelly pierced your most sacred heart till finally you sent forth
your spirit in peace, bowed you head, and humbly commended yourself into
the hands of God your Father, and your whole body remained cold in death.
Blessed may you be, my Lord Jesus Christ. For our salvation you allowed
your side and heart to be pierced with a lance; and from that side water
and your precious blood flowed out abundantly for our redemption.
Unending honor be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ. On the third day you rose
from the dead and appeared to those you had chosen. And after forty days
you ascended into heaven before the eyes of many witnesses, and there in
heaven you gathered together in glory those you love, whom you had freed
from hell.
Rejoicing and eternal praise be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, who sent the
Holy Spirit into the hearts of your disciples and increased the boundless
love of God in their spirits.
Blessed are you and praiseworthy and glorious for ever, my Lord Jesus.
from prayers attributed to Saint Bridget
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