October 8th - Saint Bridget of Sweden, Widow, Visionary
(1302-1373)
Saint Bridget was born into the Swedish royal family in the year 1302, the
daughter of very virtuous Christian parents. More than one prophetic
episode
attended the birth of Bridget, "whose voice would be heard with admiration
by the entire world," according to a bishop of her country. Curiously, for
three years she said not a word, then began to speak with facility and
clarity, like persons of mature years. At the age of seven, after her
mother
had died, she beheld the Mother of God, who presented her with a beautiful
crown. She became sober, modest, candid, humble, and peaceful. At ten
years
old she saw Our Lord as He was on the Cross, and she began to meditate
constantly on the mysteries of the Passion, while occupying herself
exteriorly with needlework.
In obedience to her father, she was married to Prince Ulpho of Sweden.
Saint
Bridget became the mother of eight children, four boys and four girls, one
of whom, Saint Catherine of Sweden, is honored as a Saint. Their four sons
died young, two during one of the crusades. After some years she and her
husband separated by mutual consent; he entered the Cistercian Order,
where
he died thirty years before his holy spouse. After his death, her life
became still more austere; for her guide she had a celebrated Doctor of
Theology, a Canon of the cathedral of Linkoeping. Severe for herself,
Saint
Bridget remained gentle for the poor and nourished twelve persons every
day,
serving them herself; she established hospices for the sick and the
convalescent. She founded the Order of the Holy Saviour for sixty nuns, at
the Abbey of Wastein or Wadstena in Sweden.
Saint Bridget received a series of sublime revelations, all of which she
scrupulously submitted to the judgment of her confessor. During a famous
pilgrimage which she made to Rome at the command of her Lord, He dictated
to
her the "Fifteen Prayers of Saint Bridget," in honor of His Passion. Saint
Bridget also went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with her daughter, Saint
Catherine, and amid the very scenes of the Passion was further instructed
in
the sacred mysteries. She died in Rome, during her return from this
pilgrimage, in 1373.
Reflection: Saint Bridget appreciated in an extraordinary way the grace of
the Sacrament of Penance. "Is confession a matter of much time or
expense?"
asks Saint John Chrysostom. "Is it a difficult and painful remedy? Without
cost or hurt, this medicine is ever ready to restore you to perfect
health."
Sources: Les Petits Bollandistes: Vies des Saints, by Msgr. Paul Guérin
(Bloud et Barral: Paris, 1882), Vol. 12; Little Pictorial Lives of the
Saints, a compilation based on Butler's Lives of the Saints and other
sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger Brothers: New York, 1894).
Saint Quote:
The crosses with which our path through life is strewn associate us with
Jesus in the mystery of His crucifixion.
--St. John Eudes
Bible Quote:
"Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to
give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money
bags
for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
that no thief can reach nor moth destroy" (Luke 12:32-33).
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ACT OF REPARATION FOR FIRST FRIDAYS:
Behold this Heart that has loved men so much and that finds only
indifference, neglect, and ingratitude among most men-and often even among
those whom it has honored with a special love.
Lord, we have heard Thy sorrowful complaints. Thou hast revealed to
Thy
blessed servant and disciple of Thy Heart, St. Margaret Mary, that Thou
hast
felt greater sorrow over this ingratitude than over all the sufferings
Thou
hast endured in Thy passion; that if men would only make some return of
love, Thou would count as nothing all that Thou hast done for them.
Therefore, Lord, we will try to return love for love. Through our
grateful, compassionate love, we shall be able to offer Thee at least some
consolation. We want to live a life perfect in immolation, in service, and
in love as Thy Heart so greatly desired.
Just as Mary Magdalen poured ointment over Thy feet and sacred head,
we
likewise offer Thee adoration, love, humility, and loyalty. With Veronica,
we desire to console Thee for all the abuse that has been heaped upon
Thee.
And finally, with Thy blessed Mother, St. John, and all the loyal and
devoted friends standing on Calvary, we will stand by Thee faithfully to
make up for Thy many loved ones who have deserted Thee.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere.
To the Heart of Jesus, most worthy of adoration, be praise,
thanksgiving, and consolation throughout the whole world, now and forever.
Amen.
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