Saint Bridget of Sweden (Birgitta Birgersdotter), one of the most important figures of medieval European spirituality and co-patron saint of Europe, was born around 1303 in Upland, Sweden, into a noble family.
Major life milestones
● Marriage and family life: She married Ulf Gudmarsson at a very young age, with whom she had eight children (one of whom was another saint, Saint Catherine of Sweden). Although she desired a religious life, she lived her marriage in a deeply Christian spirit and also served as a court and royal advisor.
● Visionary and mystic: After the death of her husband (around 1344), she experienced a profound spiritual transformation. She began to have powerful mystical visions and hear the inner voice of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, which she recorded in her famous Apparitions.
● Founding of the Order: She founded the Order of the Holy Savior (Brigidines), whose main mother monastery was the abbey in Vadstena, Sweden. This order was unique in that the monasteries were double (having both male and female branches under the leadership of an abbess), which emphasized the importance of the Virgin Mary in the Church.
● Residence in Rome: She spent most of her later years in Rome, where she worked to bring the pope back from exile in Avignon and to restore the moral life of the church. She died in Rome on July 23rd 1373.
Worship and memorial dates
● July 23rd : Her official liturgical memorial in the Roman Catholic calendar (her birthday for heavenly life).
● October 8th: In some older or traditional calendars, October 8th is tied to the anniversary of the transfer of her relics, or to commemorate her significance in connection with October as a month of prayer and spiritual renewal.
Titles and patronage
● In 1999, Pope John Paul II declared her co-patron saint of Europe (along with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross – Edita Steinová).
● She is the patron saint of Sweden, pilgrims, widows, and European religious.