St. Dymphna
Irish princess of the 7th century who, according to legend, fled to Geel in present-day Belgium to escape her widowed pagan father's incestuous proposals; martyred there by him when he found her. Patroness of the mentally ill and victims of incest; the city of Geel has a centuries-old tradition of fostering psychiatric patients in family care in her honor. Feast May 15.
Life & Times
Born: 7th century, traditional · Died: 7th century, traditional · From: Ireland / Belgium, tradition.
Patronage
St. Dymphna is invoked as the patron of mental illness, anxiety, runaways, victims of incest, nervous disorders. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Dymphna, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.