📚 St. Dymphna

About

St. Dymphna was a 7th-century Irish princess who fled her homeland to escape her father's advances after her mother's death. She settled in Gheel, Belgium, where she dedicated her life to serving the poor and the mentally ill. Her father eventually found her, and when she refused his demands, he killed her in a fit of rage. St. Dymphna is venerated as a martyr and is especially honored for her compassion toward those suffering from mental illness. Lived : 7th century | Feast Day : May 15 | Canonized : Pre-Congregation Patronage : Mental illness, anxiety, depression, and victims of incest