Feastday: May 15 Patron of those suffering for nervous and mental affictions
St. Dymphna
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.
Comments
Please pray for my son who has been battling depression and ADHD for over 9 years. He is on the verge of restarting his life and just needs help to get over this hump. Please heal him and help him be all he can be.
Rose | 10/31/2009
Wow, her story is amazing, I'm using her for my confirmation Saint. This site is really helpful.
Katherine | 10/28/2009
St. Dymphna, Please help my son
who was diagnosed with depression back in June, get over his problems and help him get back on the path he was on way before all of this started. I know this a big year for him, his senior year in high school, so he is going to need all the help you can give him and then some. Help me and my husband through this hard time too. We are all really going to need your strength and support. Amen.
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