Lives Of The Saints
October 8
St Bridget of Sweden
St Bridget of Sweden is remembered as far more than a visionary.
Saint Bridget of Sweden, c. 1470, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Brief life
Bridget of Sweden lived a life that kept widening under grace. She was noble wife, mother, widow, pilgrim, counselor, and foundress, and each stage drew her more deeply into meditation on Christ's Passion and concern for the reform of Christian society. She moved from family and court life into widowhood, the foundation at Vadstena, long Roman years, bold admonitions to princes and popes, and finally pilgrimage to the Holy Land. What makes her compelling is that she was never merely a visionary.
She governed, traveled, endured, corrected, and took responsibility. Her sanctity is certain even where questions remain about particular details in the revelations attached to her name. That distinction matters because it keeps the life honest while leaving her greatness intact.
Historical note
This life clearly distinguishes St Bridget’s proven sanctity from the separate question of how particular private revelations should be weighed.
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