Saint Bridget of Sweden
Saint Bridget of Sweden (Swedish: den heliga Birgitta), 1303-1373 AD, is the patron saint of Europe. After the death of her husband Ulf Gudmarsson in 1344, shortly after a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, she devoted herself fully to religion, founding the monastic order commonly known as the Brigittines. She spent the later part of her life in Rome, only leaving to partake in pilgrimages - Among others, to Jerusalem.
She is famous for her many visions she experienced throughout her life, commonly showing her the Virgin Mary and various parts of the life of Jesus, as well as purgatory. She was canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1391. In 1999, Pope John Paul II named her the patron saint of Europe. Her feast day is celebrated on the day of her death, 23 July.
Her daughter, Saint Catherine of Vadstena, also became a saint.
