Saint Dymphna
St. Dymphna was a seventh-century Irish princess, baptized secretly by her Christian mother, who fled her father's incestuous intentions and was martyred by him at about fifteen in Geel, in modern Belgium. She is patron of those who suffer from mental illness and emotional distress. Her feast is May 15.
In three points
- After her mother's death, her mentally ill father sought to marry her
- She fled with Fr. Gerebernus to Geel, where her father killed her
- Geel became a center of healing and compassionate care for the mentally ill
- The Church honors both prayer and professional help
Her story
Dymphna was the daughter of a pagan Irish king and a devout Christian mother, who had her secretly baptized. By tradition she vowed her life to Christ in chastity. After her mother died, her father, grieving and mentally ill, sought to marry a woman like his late wife and sinfully fixed on his own daughter. Dymphna fled with her confessor, Fr. Gerebernus, and a few friends to Antwerp and then to the town of Geel.
Her father tracked her down. When she refused to return, he ordered her death; according to oral tradition, when his men refused, he beheaded her himself in a fit of madness. Fr. Gerebernus was also killed. She was about fifteen, a martyr for her faith and purity. She is often shown holding a sword, a sign of her martyrdom and victory over evil.
Patron of the mentally ill
She is patron of those with mental illness, anxiety and emotional distress, and also of runaways, victims of sexual abuse and those with epilepsy. Her church in Geel, consecrated in 1532, became a pilgrimage center known for healings, and Geel remains an example of Christian care for the mentally ill.
The Church upholds the dignity of every person, body and soul. Seek professional help when needed, but never underestimate prayer and the saints' intercession. Her feast falls in May, when many pray for those affected by mental illness.
Prayer to St. Dymphna: Good Saint Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick, in my present need. (State intention.) Saint Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer with nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to them for me and obtain my request. (Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.) Saint Dymphna, virgin and martyr, pray for us.
Read online with linked Scripture: catholic.id/tracts/saint-dymphna/