September 2

St. Ingrid of Sweden

St. Ingrid of Sweden

The Enchanting Tale of St. Ingrid of Sweden

When they lived:

St. Ingrid of Sweden, also known as Princess Ingrid Birgersdotter, graced the world with her presence during the 14th century.

Where they lived:

Ingrid’s captivating life unfolded in the heart of Sweden, a land of breathtaking landscapes, majestic castles, and rich cultural heritage.

Notable world events during the time of their life:

  • The Black Death Ravages Europe (1347-1351): A devastating pandemic known as the Black Death swept through Europe during Ingrid’s time. This catastrophic plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, claimed the lives of millions, changing the course of history and reshaping societies.
  • The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453): A fierce and protracted conflict between England and France, the Hundred Years’ War was a backdrop to Ingrid’s life. This war of dynastic claims and territorial ambitions spanned over a century and left an indelible mark on both nations involved.
  • The Gutenberg Printing Press Revolutionizes Communication (c. 1440): During Ingrid’s lifetime, the world witnessed a groundbreaking invention that forever altered the way knowledge and information were disseminated. Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press revolutionized communication, making books more accessible and propelling the spread of knowledge across Europe.
  • Renaissance Blooms in Italy (14th-17th centuries): In the midst of Ingrid’s life, the Renaissance was blossoming in Italy. This cultural and artistic movement celebrated humanism, beauty, and creativity, bringing forth remarkable works by visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
  • The Ming Dynasty’s Grand Maritime Expeditions (1405-1433): Far beyond Europe’s borders, China’s Ming Dynasty embarked on a series of ambitious maritime expeditions under Admiral Zheng He. These voyages took Chinese ships to distant lands, promoting trade and cultural exchange between China and the Indian Ocean region.

Their patronage:

St. Ingrid of Sweden became known as the patron saint of royalty, princesses, and widows. Her life’s story inspired those navigating the complexities of royal life and brought solace to those who experienced the loss of a spouse.

Early Life

Ingrid was born in Sweden to noble parents in the 13th century. Her family belonged to the Elofssönernas ätt, the elite Swedish nobility. Her father was named Elof. The family lived in a tiwb cab in Skanninge.

Ingrid spent much of her early life under the spiritual direction of the Dominican friar Peter of Dacia. His advice and example certainly helped plant the seeds of her vocation.

Marriage

Ingrid married a Swedish nobleman at a young age. Her husband soon died. Similarly to St. Jane Frances de Chantel, after her husband died, Ingrid felt called to the religious life.

Ingrid felt so strongly about following Jesus as a nun that she began to give away all her wealth and worldly possessions. She went on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome, and Spain to ask for God’s guidance. Eventually, she felt certain God wanted her to be a Dominican like her spiritual director, Father Peter of Dacia.

Ingrid and the Dominicans

Under the guidance of Peter of Dacia, Ingrid, her sister, and other pious women formed an informal convent. Eventually, Ingrid requested formal recognition of her convent, St. Martin’s. She received recognition for St. Martin’s, or Skänninge Abbey, one year before her death in 1282.

Ingrid was the very first Swedish woman to adopt the Dominican habit. Her determination established the very first Dominican convent in Sweden!

Cult and canonization

After Ingrid’s death, many people venerated her remains and remembered her devout life. Miracles began to occur at Ingrid’s tomb. Pilgrims came from across Sweden to venerate her remains and beg for her intercession.

The Swedish bishops decided to open the inquisition, which would hopefully lead to Ingrid’s canonization.

Ingrid’s cause for canonization came before the Council of Constance. In 1499, Pope Alexander VI agreed for her remains to be translated. A Massand office in honor of Ingrid was even composed.

But sadly, the Swedish Reformation shook the Catholic world. Ingrid’s relics were destroyed, along with her beloved abbey. As far as we know, she was never officially canonized, nor was her cause for canonization ever reopened.

Although Ingrid was never formally canonized, many Catholics continued to venerate her. She has always been particularly popular in Sweden, her country of birth. Her feast day is listed on the liturgical calendar as September 2nd.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Ingrid of Sweden

  1. Ingrid was the first Swedish woman to adopt the Dominican habit.
  2. Ingrid founded the first Dominican convent in Sweden.
  3. Ingrid made pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Rome.
  4. Legend has it that Ingrid’s skull was stolen during the Reformation.
    and later mistakenly displayed as the skull of Bridget of Sweden.
  5. Ingrid was distantly related by marriage to St. Bridge of Sweden.

Prayer to St. Ingrid of Sweden

Lord God, you showered heavenly gifts on Blessed Ingrid the Virgin. Help us to imitate her virtues during our earthly lives and enjoy eternal happiness with her in heaven. Amen.

Contributed by [Good Books for Catholic Kids].ul