Saint Dymphna

Saints

Tradition · Christian FolkSaint
Feast Day
May 15
Patronage
Mental illnessNervous disordersRunawaysThe mentally ill
Domain
Mental healthHealingProtection of the vulnerableSanctuary
Correspondences
Colors
GreenWhite
Scents
Lavender
Offerings
White candlesFlowersBread
Invocation Approach
Tone
Gentle and unhurried
Address
Saint DymphnaDymphna of Gheel
Relationship
Patron of mental health
Mythology Summary

A seventh-century Irish princess, according to a legend of uncertain history, who fled her father and was martyred at Gheel in Belgium. The town became a centre for the care of the mentally ill, and the devotion grew from that.

Modern Practice

The folk practice is for mental health, for the care of the vulnerable, and for those who flee an unsafe home. The corpus records the devotion and marks the legend's uncertain date.

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