Dymphna

Dymphna (c. 7th century) is a Christian saint and martyr, venerated in the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. She is the patron saint of those suffering from mental illnesses, anxiety, nervous disorders, epilepsy, and runaways.

Life:

According to tradition, Dymphna was born in Ireland to a pagan king and a devout Christian mother. Her mother died when Dymphna was young, and her father, deeply saddened, sought a wife who resembled his late queen. His advisors suggested he marry his own daughter, Dymphna, due to her striking resemblance. Horrified, Dymphna fled to what is now Geel, Belgium, with her confessor, Saint Gerebernus, and two other companions.

Her father eventually tracked her down. When she continued to refuse his advances, he ordered her to be executed. Tradition holds that she was beheaded by her father's soldiers. Gerebernus was also killed soon after.

Veneration:

Dymphna's relics are enshrined in the Church of Saint Dymphna in Geel. The town of Geel has a long tradition of caring for those with mental illness, and families have historically boarded mentally ill individuals in their homes as a form of community support. This practice is believed to be linked to the miracles attributed to Saint Dymphna.

Her feast day is May 15th.

Symbolism:

Dymphna is typically depicted holding a sword (symbolizing her martyrdom) and often has a demon or chains at her feet, representing mental illness and the power of faith to overcome it. She may also be shown holding a lily, symbolizing purity.