St. Bridget of Sweden

A Swedish wife, mother, widow, mystic, and foundress, Bridget called rulers and clergy to conversion while serving Christ through prayer and pilgrimage.

The story

Bridget, or Birgitta Birgersdotter, was born in 1303 into a prominent Swedish family at Finsta in Uppland. Around 1316 she married Ulf Gudmarsson. They had eight children, including the future St. Catherine of Sweden. Bridget managed a large household, cared for the poor, and spent time at the court of King Magnus IV and Queen Blanche. Her marriage joined family responsibilities with serious prayer and works of mercy.

Bridget and Ulf made pilgrimages together, including a journey to Santiago de Compostela. After returning to Sweden, Ulf entered the Cistercian monastery at Alvastra, where he died in 1344. Bridget then adopted a more austere religious life near the monastery. She reported receiving visions and messages concerning Christ's Passion, reform of the Church, and the responsibilities of Christian rulers. Her confessors recorded and translated these texts, which were eventually collected as the Revelations. The Church permits private revelations to assist Christian life, but they do not add to the deposit of faith.

In 1349 Bridget went to Rome. She remained there while seeking approval for the Order of the Most Holy Savior, commonly called the Bridgettines. She also urged the popes to return from Avignon to Rome and spoke frankly about corruption among clergy and rulers. Pope Urban V approved her rule in 1370. In 1371 Bridget traveled to the Holy Land, where prayer at the sacred places deeply influenced her later writings.

Bridget died in Rome on July 23, 1373. Her body was taken to Vadstena, the principal house of her order. Pope Boniface IX canonized her in 1391. In 1999, St. John Paul II named her a co-patroness of Europe, together with St. Catherine of Siena and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The General Roman Calendar observes her optional memorial on July 23.

What Bridget teaches

St. Bridget shows that holiness can mature through marriage, parenthood, widowhood, public responsibility, and contemplative prayer. Her private revelations must be judged within the faith handed on by the Church, as CCC 67 teaches. Prayer becomes fruitful when it leads to repentance, charity, and faithful service.

Patronage

Europe, Sweden, widows, pilgrims.

Prayer

God of mercy, you led St. Bridget through family life, widowhood, pilgrimage, and religious service. Through her intercession, make us faithful in our duties and courageous in calling for holiness within the Church. Keep our hearts fixed on Christ. Amen.