St. Bridget of Sweden

St. Bridget of Sweden was born in 1303 in Uppland, Sweden, to a devout and wealthy family. Her early life was marked by a deep devotion to the passion of Jesus, with her first recorded vision occurring at the age of ten, where she saw Christ on the cross and heard him speak about those who despise him. In 1316, at the age of 13, Bridget married Ulf Gudmarsson, with whom she had eight children, including St. Catherine of Sweden. The couple served the Swedish court and dedicated themselves to charitable works. After Ulf's death in 1344, Bridget devoted her life to Christ and founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior, known as the Bridgettines, in 1346. This order was approved by Pope Urban V in 1370. Bridget spent her later years in Rome, advocating for ecclesiastical reform and awaiting the pope's return from Avignon. She died in Rome on July 23, 1373. However, the information provided about her canonization in 1481 appears incorrect; she was actually canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1391. St. Bridget's legacy includes her role as patron saint of Sweden and, since 1999, co-patron saint of Europe alongside St. Catherine of Siena and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Her religious order continues to thrive in various countries around the world.