Saint Ida of Nivelles

Biography

Saint Bridget of Sweden, also known as Bridget of Vadstena, was born in 1302 or 1303 at Finsta Castle, Uppsala, Sweden. She was the daughter of Birger Persson, the governor and provincial judge of Uppland, and Ingeborg Bengtsdotter. Her father was renowned as one of the greatest landowners in the country, and her mother was widely known for her piety. Saint Bridget came from a noble family that was descended from the Swedish royal house and was related to another saint, Saint Ingrid of Sweden. At the age of seven, Bridget began receiving visions, many of which were about the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Her mother passed away around 1315 when Bridget was only twelve years old. Following her mother's death, she was raised and educated by an equally pious aunt. In 1316, at the age of thirteen, Bridget entered into an arranged marriage with Prince Ulfo of Nercia. Together, they had eight children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden. Unfortunately, some of their children did not embrace the religious path. Throughout her life, Bridget established herself as a friend and counselor to numerous priests and theologians of her time. She served as the chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Blanche of Namur in 1335, providing guidance and counsel to both the queen and King Magnus II. After Prince Ulfo's death in 1344, Bridget decided to pursue a religious life, which initially faced opposition and harassment from others in the royal court. Eventually, she renounced her title of princess. Saint Bridget became a Franciscan tertiary and later joined the Cistercian order. She was renowned for her mystical experiences, visions, and writings. Bridget documented the revelations given to her during her visions, and her writings became immensely popular during the Middle Ages. In 1346, Bridget founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior, also known as the Bridgettines, in Vadstena, Sweden. This order received confirmation from Pope Blessed Urban V in 1370 and continues to exist today, although only a few houses remain. Saint Bridget was a devout pilgrim, undertaking journeys to Rome, various holy sites in Italy, and the Holy Lands. Throughout her life, Saint Bridget counseled and encouraged rulers and Popes, including Clement VI, Gregory XI, and Urban VI, urging them to return to Rome from Avignon. She emphasized the importance of meditating on the Passion of Christ and the Crucifixion. The representations of Saint Bridget vary, but she is often depicted as an abbess in Bridgettine robes with a cross on her forehead, holding a book and pilgrim's staff. Saint Bridget passed away on 23 July 1373 in Rome, Italy, from natural causes. Her body was buried in 1374 at the Vadstena convent she had founded. She was canonized as a saint on 7 October 1391 by Pope Boniface IX. Saint Bridget of Sweden is recognized as the patron saint of Europe, Sweden, and widows. Her life serves as an inspiration to many, displaying devotion, piety, and a deep connection to the Divine. Her teachings on meditating on the Passion and the Crucifixion continue to resonate with believers to this day.