Saintly Saturday - St. Dymphna



    St. Dymphna was born to a devout Catholic mother and a pagan chieftain father in Ireland during the seventh century. She made a vow of chastity when she was fourteen and consecrated her life to God. Her mother’s death followed not long after, causing great grief to her father, Damon. Upon the advice of his councilors, he sought to remarry, on the condition that the woman look as beautiful as his beloved deceased. With little success, Damon’s councilors began to direct his attention to his daughter. Influenced by his grief and their wicked ideas, he consented. Upon discovering her father’s plan, Dymphna fled to Belgium with her confessor and close friend, St. Gerebernus. However, her father found out their location and followed them. On one occasion, an innkeeper refused to take his money, stating that foreign currency was difficult to exchange. Damon realized that his daughter was near, guessing that the innkeeper had encountered her money. Guessing correctly, he found them and killed Gerebernus. He attempted to convince Dymphna to marry him, which she firmly refused. Thrown into a rage, he beheaded her; she was only fifteen. Her feast is celebrated on May 30.

St. Dymphna, Pray for Us!

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