St. Bridget of Sweden, One of the Six Patron Saints of Europe

by Russell Fleur Gallego

St. Bridget of Sweden is the founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks. Here are some known facts about St. Bridget of Sweden:

• She is the daughter of a knight Birger Persson and Ingeborg Bengtsdotter, a relative of the kings of Sweden.

• She was born in 1303.

• She was married at the age of 14 to Ulf Gudmarrson.

• She became a mother of 8 children: 1 of which is also a saint: St. Catherine of Sweden.

• In 1341, she and her husband went on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Shortly after their return, her husband died in Ostergotland

• She is known for her charity works for the unwed mothers and their children in Ostergotland.

• After her husband’s death she became a member of the Third Order of St. Francis and devoted her life to prayer and caring for the sick and poor.

• She established the Order of the Most Holy Saviour or the Brigittines

• In 1930, Pope Urban V confirmed the Rule of the Order of the Most Holy Saviour or Brigittines.

• She was canonized in 1391 by Pope Boniface IX.