St. Dymphna
Patroness of the Mentally Ill
Feast: May 15th
Given these uncertain times when many people suffer from stress and anxiety, I thought it would be timely to feature the Patron Saint of Mental Afflictions – the Virgin-Martyr, St. Dymphna.
According to a long-standing sacred tradition St. Dymphna was the youthful daughter of a pagan Irish king named, Damon, and his lovely Christian wife. Dymphna was raised by the devout queen to believe in Jesus and she dutifully followed her mother’s pious example. Things took a turn for the worse when the queen was carried away by a sudden illness when Dymphna was just a teenager. Overwhelmed with grief at the loss of his beloved wife, King Damon was mentally afflicted and began looking upon his daughter (who reportedly bore a striking resemblance to the deceased queen) with inappropriate attraction.
The king’s advisors advocated his indecent intentions, but Dymphna’s elderly confessor St. Gerebernus, staunchly opposed the union. The confessor, together with his young protégé, fled over the ocean to Gheel (Belgium), where they hoped to live a life of peace and faith but their plans did not work out as they wished them to. Despite their efforts to blend in, Dymphna’s uncommon beauty and refined manners drew unwanted attention, and the king’s spies were quickly able to track them down.
 |
| A 1st Class Relic of St. Dymphna in this ministry's custody |
King Damon launched a search party to Gheel, surprising Dymphna and her confessor. When the old priest attempted to defend the princess, he was quickly dispatched with a sword. The crazed king then demanded his daughter to return with him to Ireland to become his new queen, but Dymphna resisted citing the sinful nature of the union and her devotion to Christ; preferring to join her confessor in death rather than sin. At her heroic response, the unstable king flew into a rage and beheaded his own daughter with the stroke of his sword. Sobered by the sight of blood, King Damon abruptly returned to his kingdom, leaving behind Dymphna’s body.
As an epilogue, the Christians of Gheel buried the remains of the Martyrs in a cave and for many years held their memories in high esteem. Later, it was decided that their relics would be moved to a worthier resting place, and when the cave was excavated, a mysterious tomb of white stone was found where none had existed before. Dymphna’s remains were identified by a tile that bore the inscription, “Here lies the holy virgin and martyr, Dymphna”.
Almost immediately the site became a place of pilgrimage where many, especially those afflicted with mental illness or demonic possession, were cured through the intercession of St. Dymphna. Today, a magnificent church dedicated to the Saint stands over the original tomb and cures are still reported by devotees of the young Virgin-Martyr.
A Reflection
Almost immediately the site became a place of pilgrimage where many, especially those afflicted with mental illness or demonic possession, were cured through the intercession of St. Dymphna. Today, a magnificent church dedicated to the Saint stands over the original tomb and cures are still reported by devotees of the young Virgin-Martyr.
A Reflection
“…do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10
A Short Prayer
Lord, through the intercession of St. Dymphna, your martyred servant, grant us peace of mind and free us from all stress and anxiety. Amen.
Wonderful website inspired by our Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDelete