Feast Day: March 24
Born: c. 1331, Sweden
Died: March 24, 1381, Vadstena, Sweden
Patronage: Against miscarriages
Early Life and Family
Saint Catherine of Sweden was the daughter of Saint Bridget of Sweden and Ulf Gudmarsson, a noble couple known for their piety and devotion to God. Raised in a deeply religious household, Catherine was taught from an early age to love prayer, humility, and acts of charity. Her mother, Saint Bridget, played a crucial role in shaping her spiritual life, instilling in her a strong sense of virtue and dedication to God.
Marriage and Vow of Chastity
At a young age, Catherine was given in marriage to Eggard Lydersson von Kürnen, a devout nobleman. Together, they made a vow of perpetual chastity, choosing to live in continence as a sign of their devotion to God. After some years, her husband died, leaving Catherine free to follow her mother on a pilgrimage to Rome.
Pilgrimage and Religious Life
Catherine accompanied her mother to Rome in 1349, where they sought papal approval for the establishment of the Order of the Most Holy Savior (Bridgettines), founded by Saint Bridget. During their years in Rome, Catherine witnessed her mother’s deep mystical experiences and assisted in her works of charity, ministering to the poor and sick. She remained in Rome even after her mother’s death in 1373, working to secure papal approval for the Bridgettine order.
In 1374, Catherine brought her mother’s remains back to Sweden and assumed leadership of the Vadstena Abbey, the motherhouse of the Bridgettine Order. There, she embraced a life of prayer, penance, and governance, ensuring the continued growth of the order.
Holiness and Death
Saint Catherine was known for her wisdom, humility, and deep interior life. Her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Passion of Christ deeply influenced those around her. She also had mystical experiences, though she remained reserved about them, desiring only to serve Christ in humility.
She died on March 24, 1381, in Vadstena. She was canonized in 1484 by Pope Innocent VIII, though she was venerated as a saint long before this official recognition.
Legacy and Patronage
Saint Catherine of Sweden is the patroness against miscarriages, a devotion likely stemming from her chaste marriage and concern for women and families. Her life exemplifies the virtues of chastity, obedience, and humility, and she remains an inspiration for those seeking a deeper relationship with God through prayer and service.