July 23 + Saint Bridget of Sweden

From age 7 on, Bridget had visions of Christ crucified. Her visions formed the basis for her activity — always with the emphasis on charity rather than spiritual favors.

When she was only 10, it is recorded that she had a vision of Jesus on the cross and heard him say, “Look at me, my daughter."

"Who has treated you like this?" cried little Bridget.

Jesus answered, "Those who despise me and refuse my love for them.” From that moment on, Bridget tried to stop people from offending Jesus.

When she was 14, Bridget married an 18-year old man named Ulf. Like Bridget, Ulf had set his heart on serving God. They had eight children, the second eldest was St. Catherine of Sweden. She lived her married life in the court of the Swedish King Magnus II — Bridget was the queen's personal maid.

All her life, Bridget had marvelous visions and received special messages from God. In obedience to them, she visited many rulers and important people in the Church. She explained humbly what God expected of them.

After her husband died, Bridget put away her rich clothes and lived as a poor nun. She began the order of the Most Holy Savior, also known as Bridgettines. She still kept up her own busy life, traveling about doing good everywhere she went. And through all this activity, Jesus continued to reveal many secrets to her, which she received without the least bit of pride.

A final pilgrimage to the Holy Land, marred by shipwreck and the death of her son, Charles, eventually led to her death in 1373. At the shrines there, she had visions of what Jesus had said and done in each place. All of her revelations on the sufferings of Jesus were published after her death.