Saint Dymphna
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.
The feast is 15 May. The historical details are legendary, but the cult at Gheel is well attested and is the source of the patronage.
Offerings
- Offerings
- White candlesFlowersBread
Practice
- Invocation Approach
- ToneGentle and unhurriedAddressSaint DymphnaDymphna of GheelRelationshipPatron of mental health
- 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.
Nature and meaning
- Domain
- Mental healthHealingProtection of the vulnerableSanctuary
- 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.
Details
- Feast Day
- May 15
- Patronage
- Mental illnessNervous disordersRunawaysThe mentally ill
- Correspondences
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