23rd Jul - ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN (1303-1373)

 Bridget was born in Sweden in 1303, daughter of the governor. From the time she was a child, she was greatly devoted to the passion of Jesus. When she was only ten, 

    she had a vision of Jesus on the cross. When she was 14, Bridget married an 18-year Ulf. Like Bridget, Ulf had set his heart on serving God.

    They had eight children, of whom one was St. Catherine. Bridget tried to help King Magnus and Queen Blanche lead better lives, however they did not listen to her. All her life, 

    Bridget had marvelous visions and received special messages from God. In obedience to them, she visited many rulers and important people in the Church. 

    She explained humbly what God expected of them. After her husband died, Bridget put away her rich clothes and lived as a poor nun. Later, 

    in 1346, she began the order of the Most Holy Savior, also known as Bridgettines. She still kept up her own busy life, traveling about doing good everywhere she went. 

    And through all this activity, Jesus continued to reveal many secrets to her, which she received without the least bit of pride. Shortly before she died, 

    the saint went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. At the shrines there, she had visions of what Jesus had said and done in each place. 

    All St. Bridget's revelations on the sufferings of Jesus were published after her death. St. Bridget died in Rome on July 23, 1373. She was proclaimed a saint by Pope Boniface IX 

    in 1391.




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