(c.1302-1373) Bridget was descended from the Swedish royal family. Her dad was very wealthy, and her mom was pious. She was a mystic who began receiving visions, mostly related to Jesus’ crucifixion, when she was 7. She was married at 14 and had eight children, one of whom became Saint Catherine of Sweden, though her other children left the Church. She was friends with and counseled several priests and theologians. When Bridget’s husband died, she pursued religious life. She recorded her visions and revelations, which were published after her death.
We see in Saint Bridget that even a mystic and a saint had children who wandered away from the life we are made for. How much do you think other people’s success depends on your perfection? Does it?
“St Bridget travelled from Sweden to Italy, lived in Rome and also went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. With her witness she speaks of openness to different peoples and civilizations. Let us ask her to help humanity today to create large spaces for peace. May she obtain from the Lord in particular peace in the Holy Land, for which she felt such deep affection and veneration” (Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus on June 23, 2006).
Reflection by Brad Farmer