Saint Bridget of Sweden
Feast Day: July 23
Saint Bridget of Sweden is also known as Birgitta of Sweden. She was a wife, mother, and later became a nun. She is one of the most well-known saints from Scandinavia. She lived in the 1300s.
She is known for her visions of Jesus and Mary. She wrote down what she saw and heard. These writings were shared with others in the Church. Many people listened to her advice, even kings and popes.
She started a religious order. It was called the Order of the Most Holy Savior. People also call it the Bridgettine Order.
Later, the Church named her one of the patron saints of Europe. She is also the patron saint of Sweden and widows.
A Noble Girl with a Special Gift
Bridget was born in the year 1303. She came from a rich and noble family in Sweden. Her father was a governor, and her family owned much land.
When she was very young, she began to have dreams and visions. One time she dreamed of Jesus on the cross. She said she saw and heard Him speak to her. She never forgot this.
She grew up learning to pray and love God. Her parents taught her about the faith. She also learned from priests and teachers.
At the age of 13, she was married to a nobleman named Ulf Gudmarsson. They had a long and faithful marriage.
A Wife, A Mother, A Woman of Faith
Bridget and her husband had eight children. They lived a good and quiet life. One of their daughters, Catherine, also became a saint.
Even while caring for her family, Bridget prayed often. She read the Bible and helped the poor. She always tried to live a holy life.
Bridget and Ulf went on long trips together. They made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint James in Spain. This was a hard journey, but they did it to grow closer to God.
After they came back, Ulf became sick. He died a short time later. Bridget felt very sad, but she stayed strong in her faith.
Messages from Heaven
After her husband died, Bridget began to have more visions. She believed these came from Jesus and Mary. They spoke to her in prayer.
She started writing down these messages. She shared them with priests and leaders. Some people believed her right away. Others were unsure at first.
Bridget said that God wanted her to speak to rulers and church leaders. She told them to live better lives and serve God more fully. She wanted peace and truth in the world.
She also gave advice to popes. She told them to return to Rome from France. She believed the pope should lead the Church from Rome, not from far away.
A New Way of Life
Bridget felt called to start a new religious group. It was for both men and women. They would live in separate parts of the same monastery. They would pray, work, and live simply.
This group became the Bridgettine Order. Its real name was the Order of the Most Holy Savior. It began in Sweden, and later spread to other countries.
Bridget wrote the rules for the order. She said that the members should live holy lives. They should care for the poor and pray often.
The pope gave his approval after her death. The order still exists today, in many parts of the world.
Rome and the Road to Heaven
Bridget moved to Rome in 1350. She wanted to be near the pope. She also wanted to visit the holy places there.
She lived in Rome for many years. She helped the poor and the sick. She also kept writing down her visions and sharing them.
Bridget kept asking the pope to return to Rome from Avignon, France. She believed this was God’s will. She was not afraid to speak the truth, even to powerful people.
She died in Rome in 1373. Her body was brought back to Sweden. She was buried in the monastery she had helped to start.
A Saint for Europe and Beyond
Bridget was declared a saint in 1391. The pope who canonized her was Boniface IX. The Church saw her life as holy and full of faith.
Her feast day is July 23. On this day, people remember her prayer, her courage, and her deep love for God.
In 1999, Pope John Paul II named her one of the patron saints of Europe. She shares this title with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
Bridget is also the patron saint of Sweden, widows, and people who have lost children. Many still look to her for help and guidance.
Daily Mass Readings
The readings for this memorial may be taken from the readings below, the Common of Holy Men and Women (for religious), or the readings of the day.
- First Reading – Galatians 2:19-20: I have died to the law and now live for God through faith in Christ, who gave himself for me and now lives in me.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: I sought the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from fear, filled me with joy, and gave me all I needed. I will always praise him.
- Gospel – John 15:1-8: Jesus is the vine, and his followers are the branches. Those who remain in him will bear much fruit. Those who do not remain in him will wither and be cast out.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Listening to God in Everyday Life
Saint Bridget of Sweden shows us that we can follow God in every part of life. She was a wife and a mother first. She cared for her husband and children. She prayed, worked, and helped others. Even with a busy home, she made time for God. This reminds us that we can follow God while caring for our families and doing our daily work.
After her husband died, Bridget began a new chapter. She listened to what she believed God was asking of her. She spoke the truth to kings and popes. She started a new religious group. She kept praying and helping the poor. Bridget did not stop doing good, even when it was hard. She shows us that it is never too late to begin again or to follow God in a new way.
Bridget also teaches us to speak up when something is wrong. She asked the pope to come back to Rome. She spoke about changes the Church needed. She did this with respect, but also with courage. We can learn from her boldness. When we see something that is not right, we can speak kindly but clearly.
Bridget listened closely in prayer. She trusted that God was speaking to her. We may not have visions like she did, but we can still hear God in quiet prayer, in the Bible, and through other people. Her life helps us remember that God is near to anyone who listens.
Reflection Questions:
- What is one small way I can make more time for prayer during my day?
- Where in my life is God asking me to be brave?
- How can I help others while also caring for my own family or work?
- What can I learn from Saint Bridget’s way of listening and acting?
Turning Back Begins the Journey
Saint Bridget of Sweden did great things, but her strength came from one small daily habit—confession. She knew that turning back to God each day helped her grow and stay close to him, no matter what challenges she faced.
Confession helps us leave behind what pulls us away from God. Like Bridget, we can choose to let go of distractions and start fresh. Real change begins when we admit where we’ve fallen and ask for help. This daily return to God makes space for grace—and for a new beginning.
Resources
Revelations of St. Bridget: On the Life and Passion of Our Lord and the Life of His Blessed Mother
This book shares the words that Saint Bridget of Sweden said she received from Jesus and Mary. It gives details about their lives on earth, including Jesus’ early years and His Passion, and Mary’s early life too. It includes the well-known 15 Prayers of Saint Bridget. The book was first printed in 1492 and is still read today. Many people say it helps them understand more about Jesus’ suffering and love. It is a small book, easy to carry, and good for prayer and quiet reading. It is simple but full of meaning for anyone who wants to grow in faith.
Social Media Graphics
Questions and Answers about Saint Bridget of Sweden
Who was Saint Bridget of Sweden?
She was a Catholic saint from Sweden. She was a wife, mother, and later became a nun. She had many visions and started a religious order.
When was Saint Bridget born?
She was born in the year 1303 in Sweden.
Did she have a family?
Yes. She was married and had eight children. One of her daughters, Catherine, also became a saint.
What happened after her husband died?
After her husband died, she focused more on prayer and helping others. She also started receiving more visions.
What were her visions about?
She said that Jesus and Mary spoke to her. She wrote down what she saw and heard in prayer.
Did she start a religious order?
Yes. She started the Order of the Most Holy Savior. It is also called the Bridgettine Order.
Where did she live later in life?
She moved to Rome and lived there for many years. She died there in 1373.
When was she made a saint?
She was canonized in 1391 by Pope Boniface IX.
What is her feast day?
Her feast day is July 23.
What is she the patron saint of?
She is the patron saint of Europe, Sweden, and widows. She is also known to help people who have lost children.
Following God in All Seasons of Life
Saint Bridget of Sweden lived a full and faithful life. She followed God as a wife, mother, widow, and religious sister. She shows us that we can stay close to God in every part of life, no matter our age or situation.
She listened for God’s voice in prayer. She wrote down what she saw and heard. She shared those words with others, even people in high places. She was not afraid to speak the truth.
Bridget cared for the poor and started a new religious order. Her life helped the Church grow stronger. Her example still gives hope to many people today.
Her story reminds us to stay close to God, help others, and speak with courage. She trusted God step by step. We can try to do the same in our own lives.
Your Turn
Take a few minutes to learn more about Saint Bridget of Sweden. Her life can help you grow in faith and courage, no matter where you are in life.
Have you heard of her before? Do you see parts of your life in her story? Share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear what you think.
Leave a Reply