Saint
Saint Dymphna
- Country / origin
- Ireland / Belgium
- Life
- 7th century (by tradition)
- Feast
- 15 May (traditional date)
Awaiting theological review
Who was this?
According to a legend written down in the 13th century, she was the daughter of a pagan Irish king and a Christian mother. After her mother died, her father wanted to marry her; she fled to Geel, in present-day Belgium, and he killed her there. Geel became a place of pilgrimage for people with mental illness, and for centuries families in the town have taken them into their homes.
Patron of
- people with mental illness
- anxiety and depression
- carers and mental-health workers
- victims of abuse
When to ask for intercession
- depression, anxiety and other mental illness
- caring for someone who is mentally ill
- after abuse
A short prayer
Saint Dymphna, intercede for all who suffer in mind and spirit, and for those who care for them, that they may find help, healing and peace in God.
Written for cento53 as a simple personal prayer of intercession — not a liturgical text.
Associated devotion: Prayer for healing goes together with care: if you are struggling, talk to a doctor or to someone you trust.
What we know — and how
Historians debate
Little about her is historically certain: her story is known from a Life written in the 13th century. She is not in the General Roman Calendar; 15 May is her traditional date.
A saint for what you are living
- Anxiety
The next question