At ten years of age young Bridget had a mystic vision of Jesus on the cross, covered with fresh blood and speaking to her about his Passion. She received many such revelations which fill 8 volumes.
Through all those different paths of life, she sought to unite herself ever more closely to the suffering Christ.
She and her husband, the Prince of Sweden, had 8 children, for whom she set the powerful Christian example of faith and charity. After her husband’s death, she renounced her wealth and joined the Franciscans, at a monastery which she and her husband had built.
In 1999, Pope John Paul II declared St. Bridget a Co-Patroness of Europe, along with Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross.
In his declaration naming Bridget a Co-Patroness of Europe, the Pope said, that Bridget of Sweden is not just a model for those in consecrated religious life, but especially for married people—that those who have “the high and demanding vocation of forming a Christian family will feel that she is close to them.”
The Pope emphasized how “she and her husband enjoyed a married life in which conjugal love was joined to intense prayer, the study of Sacred Scripture, mortification and charitable works. Together they founded a small hospital, where they often attended the sick. Bridget was in the habit of serving the poor personally. At the same time, she was appreciated for her gifts as a teacher”
We see in the Saints what life is supposed to look like. The Lord guides us along many different paths and desires to teach us, like St. Bridget, the wisdom of the cross: that fulfillment in this life is found, not in wealth and possessions and making a name for ourselves, but seeking the Lord’s will in all things, particularly in accepting the cross for the sake of the kingdom.
There is a famous mosaic in the ancient basilica of St. Clement in Rome of the crucified Christ, and from the cross come an abundance of vines and branches, spoken of in our gospel today. When we are united to Christ, there is an abundance of life. Just like we see in saints like St. Bridget, union with Christ brings life in the spirit, an abundance of spiritual gifts and good works which are to be used for the building up of the church, for the spread of the Gospel, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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That members of the Church, priests, religious, married, and single, may seek the kingdom of God His and righteousness and the Divine Will above all.
For an increase in vocations to the religious life, for the spiritual good of the Bridgettine Order, for third Order Franciscans, and that consecrated religious may continue to bless the Church by their faithful living of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Through the intercession of St. Bridget, co-patroness of Europe, for the conversion of the people of Europe from all that keeps them from following Christ.
That the sick, suffering, and sorrowful may know the consolation and peace of the living God.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.
Hear Our Prayers, O Lord, and through the intercession of St. Bridget of Sweden, help us, as we walk the many paths of life, to serve you in all things and come to the eternal kingdom of heaven. Through Christ. Our Lord.
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