St. Dymphna
Feastday: May 15
Patron of those suffering for nervous and mental affictions
Dymphna
was fourteen when her mother died. Damon is said to have been afflicted
with a mental illness, brought on by his grief. He sent messengers
throughout his town and other lands to find some woman of noble birth, resembling his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found, his evil advisers told him to marry his own daughter. Dymphna fled from her castle together with St. Gerebran, her confessor
and two other friends. Damon found them in Belgium. He gave orders that
the priest's head be cut off. Then Damon tried to persuade his daughter
to return to Ireland
with him. When she refused, he drew his sword and struck off her head.
She was then only fifteen years of age. Dymphna received the crown of
martyrdom in defense of her purity about the year 620. She is the patron
of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions. Many miracles
have taken place at her shrine, built on the spot where she was buried
in Gheel, Belgium.
Prayer: Hear us, O God, Our
Saviour, as we honor St. Dymphna, patron of those afflicted with mental
and emotional illness. Help us to be inspired by her example and
comforted by her merciful help. Amen.