Mother of eight children, widow, princess, advisor to kings, and founder of the Order of the Bridgettines
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July 23th: Bridget, religious, patron saint of Europe
Gospel text
Lk 2,36-38
Lk 2,36-38
There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After leaving her father's home, she had been seven years with her husband, and since then she had been continually about the Temple, serving God as a widow night and day.
Gospel's Commentary
we celebrate the festivity of one of the Patrons of Europe, St. Bridget or Brigitta of Sweden (1303-1373). Her life was fascinating: daughter, wife, mother of eight children, widow, princess and counselor to kings, pursued a religious life, foundress... But, most of all, she was Jesus' beloved wife, whom He confided heavenly secrets to, while introducing her to the love revealed in His Passion. John Paul II included her amongst the Patrons of Europe. God revealed Himself in her visions and she submissively accepted God's designs.
—She was a faithful instrument and greatly influential in the renewal of the Europe of her time.