Sweden, Bridget of, Saint
Sweden, Bridget of, Saint
Also known as Birgitta. Widow; foundress of the Brigittines . Born c.1303 near Upsala, Sweden; died 23 July 1373 at Rome, Italy. Her parents were among the wealthiest landholders in the country and were renowned for their piety; Saint Ingrid was a near relative. In 1316 at the age of 13, she was married to Ulf Gudmarsson, by whom she had eight children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden . About 1320 she made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. After her husband’s death , Bridget devoted herself entirely to religion and asceticism; the heavenly visions she had had from early childhood became more frequent. She founded a religious order of nuns, called Brigittines , 1346 , at Vadstena, Sweden; approval of the order was granted, 1370 . In 1349 she journeyed to Rome and remained there until her death, except while absent on pilgrimages, the most important of which was to the Holy Land. She established a hospice for Swedish students and pilgrims at Rome, and played an important part in influencing Urban V to return to Rome from Avignon (1367 ). Patroness of Sweden. She is represented praying before a crucifix , holding an image of the Blessed Virgin. Canonized , 1391 . Relics in the monastery at Vadstena. Feast , Roman Calendar, 8 October .