Feast Day: July
23
Also
known as
Birgitta, Birgit
Profile
Descendant of the Swedish
royal house. Began receiving visions, most of the Crucifixion, at age
seven. At sixteen she wed prince Ulfo of Nercia in an arranged marriage.
Mother of eight children. Mother of Saint Catherine
of Sweden, though some of the other children ignored the Church.
After
Ulfo's death, she pursued a more religious life, for which she was
harassed by others at the court. Third Order Franciscan.
Cistercian. Mystic, visionary, and mystical writer. Founded the Order
of the Most Holy Savior (Bridgettines) @ Vadstena. Made pilgrimages 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 @ Finsta Castle, Uppsala, Sweden
Died
1373 @ Rome;
buried @ Vadstena convent she founded
Canonized
1381
Patronage
Europe,
Sweden,
widows
Prayers
The Fifteen
Prayers of...
The Fifteen
Prayers of...
Representation
book; pilgrim's
staff; abbess
in Bridgettine robes with a cross on her forehead, and holding a book and
pilgrim's staff; head and cross; nun with shells sewn on her habit
Reading
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
|
