St. Lydwine
Saint Lydwine
When They Lived:
St. Lydwine, also known as Lydwine of Schiedam, lived from 1380 to 1433.
Where They Lived:
St. Lydwine was born, lived, and died in the town of Schiedam, located in the Netherlands.
Notable World Events During Their Lifetime:
- Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453): A prolonged conflict between England and France that reshaped Europe.
- Renaissance (14th-17th century): A cultural and intellectual revival that transitioned from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
- The Council of Constance (1414-1418): A church council that reformed the Catholic Church and resolved the Papal Schism.
- The Printing Press: Johannes Gutenberg’s invention revolutionized the spread of knowledge.
- The Ottoman Empire’s Expansion: Expansion of territories with implications for Europe’s landscape.
- The Great Western Schism (1378-1417): A split within the Catholic Church with competing popes.
Patronage:
St. Lydwine is the patron saint of those who suffer from chronic illness and bodily afflictions. She is also invoked by those seeking relief from prolonged pain and suffering. Her life story is a source of inspiration for Catholics and a testament to human endurance and faith in adversity.
Early Life
There are various accounts of Saint Lydwine. These various accounts differ in major parts of her life, but all accounts talk about her perseverance and love for God.
Saint Lydwine, also called Lidwid, Lidwina, and Lydwine of Schiedam, was born in Schiedam, County of Holland, in the Holy Roman Empire. She was born on April 18, 1380.
Although there are several biographical recounts of this saint, there seems to be no mention of her mother. Her father, who is not named, is only said to be an artisan.
Saint Lydwine was said to have had eight siblings. She was a bubbly young girl who loved her neighbors, but most of all, she loved God. Even at a young age, she was said to have taken time out of her daily life to say her prayers.
The most popular account of Saint Lydwine’s story states that at the age of 15, Circa 1396, she was struck by an unfortunate event that would make her revered till today.
At the age of 15, Saint Lydwine was said to have been ice skating with friends. One of these friends bumped into her, causing her to fall and break a rib.
Although initially looking like something that could easily be treated,her injury worsened. After some time, an abscess formed at the site of the injury and grew worse as the day went by.
Dedication and Devotion
Saint Lydwine became bedridden, and her days were filled with gloom and pain. Regardless, it was said that she didn’t let this affect her competence.
Saint Lydwine remained cheerful. She prayed and fasted, asking God to let her cup of pain pass over.
It seemed God didn’t hear her because the abscess burst and spread throughout her body. Her body became gangrenous and began to affect her organs.
Pieces of Lydwine’s body were said to have fallen out, and she continued to bleed from her mouth, nose, ears, and eyes. It grew increasingly difficult for her to function.
At some point in time, Saint Lydwine became paralyzed and couldn’t be moved from her bed. During this trying time, she prayed to God, and it was shown to her that this was God’s plan for her.
Several maladies befell her, but she became cheerful because she believed God was with her. Because of her sores and festering wounds, no one wanted to be associated with her, but she did not complain.
In addition to her sufferings, Saint Lydwine was said to have suffered from stigmata. These injuries on her hands and feet bore an eerie resemblance to Jesus’.
Some people claimed she faked the stigmata, but after seeing it for themselves and hearing her preach about the love of God even in her pain, they were convinced.
Saint Lydwine was especially devoted to the Virgin Mary. She continued to fast and pray, and soon she became popular for her healing powers.
Legacy
Saint Lydwine was said to have been blessed with spiritual gifts. Not only was she a miraculous healer who prayed for the sick people’s health to return, but she was also said to suffer from visions of heaven and hell.
Some traditions even claim she had encounters with apparitions that she was convinced were Jesus Christ.
Lydwine suffered from nausea, headaches, pain, fever, and even blindness, but these didn’t stop her from carrying out her prayers and fasting with enthusiasm.
She was visited by the rich and famous. She was also said to have been tested by a skeptical priest who left her home with new respect and admiration for her.
Death and Canonization
- She was buried in a chapel in her hometown. Her tomb became a
popular pilgrimage.
5 Interesting Facts About Saint Lydwine
- Did you know that Saint Lydwine is the patron saint of the
chronically ill, Ice skaters, and Schiedam? - Did you know that Saint Lydwine was said to be the first-ever
recorded patient suffering from multiple sclerosis? - Did you know that some accounts concerning Saint Lydwine’s state that
She was impregnated by a priest in the area. It claims that this
was the reason why she had a ‘swollen’ body. - Did you know that a written document from Saint Lydwine’s hometown
Schiedam testifies to her extreme piety by fasting and praying for
long hours at length? This document is said to be in existence.
till today. - Did you know that Saint Lydwine was said to have survived on bites?
of apples, dates, sips of wine, and for some time, the Holy
Sacrament?
Prayer to Saint Lydwine
O Glorious Saint Lydwine of Schiedam, you were chosen by Christ to suffer immense pain for poor sinners and to offer up all your sufferings to Him. Intercede on our behalf and help us through our small sufferings that cannot be compared to yours. Grant us the grace to trust completely in Jesus even during times of deep sorrow and confusion. Help us to always place our petitions in the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who on our behalf will offer up our petitions to Jesus, like she did kindly for you. May we be given the grace to persevere in our sufferings until the Lord calls us home to enjoy the Glory of Heaven. Amen. Saint Lydwine, whose life was filled with intense suffering for poor sinners, pray for us!
Source:[http://sacrocordejesu7.blogspot.com/2015/04/feast-day-of-saint-lydwine-schiedam.html?m=1]{.ul}
