Saint Catherine of Sweden

Biography

Saint Catherine of Sweden, also known as Catherine Vastanensis, Catherine of Vadstena, Katarina av Vadstena, and Caterina, was born in 1331 in Sweden. She was the fourth of the eight children of Saint Bridget of Sweden and Ulf Gudmarsson. Catherine received her education at the convent of Riseberg. At the age of thirteen, Catherine was married by arrangement to the pious German noble Eggart von Kürnen. However, soon after their marriage, both she and her husband took vows of chastity and continence. Around 1350, Catherine and her mother travelled to Rome, Italy, to stay together. However, tragedy struck as shortly after their arrival, Catherine's husband passed away, leaving her widowed. For the next 25 years, Catherine and her mother used Rome as a base for their spiritual journeys and pilgrimages. Among their travels was a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they were in Rome or home in Sweden, they spent their days dedicated to prayer, meditation, and serving the poor. Catherine and Bridget tirelessly worked with the less fortunate, teaching them about the Catholic faith. During this time, they also had to ward off unwanted advances from local men, including young lords. It is said that during one of these encounters, a wild hind came to Catherine's defense, chasing away the troublesome suitor. When Saint Bridget died, Catherine took her mother's body back to Sweden and buried her at the convent of the Order of the Holy Savior (Brigittines) in Vadstena. Catherine then became the superior of the Order and served as abbess. In addition to her administrative duties, she continued her spiritual work and devotion to the poor. Saint Catherine of Sweden wrote a devotional work entitled "Sielinna Troëst" (Consolation of the Soul); however, no copies of the manuscript have survived to this day. Her profound dedication and efforts led to the papal approval of the Brigittine Order in 1375, solidifying its place within the Church. Catherine also worked diligently for the canonization of her mother, Saint Bridget. Saint Catherine of Sweden is often depicted in art as a Brigittine abbess with a hind at her side, as a Brigittine holding a lily, as a Brigittine dressing a poor man's wounds, and even as a Brigittine being brought Communion on her death bed. She peacefully passed away on 24th of March, 1381, from natural causes. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII confirmed the cultus, or public veneration, of Saint Catherine of Sweden. Her relics were translated to Vadstena, Sweden, in 1488. Saint Catherine's feast day is celebrated on the 24th of March. Saint Catherine of Sweden is revered as the patron saint against abortions and miscarriages. Her life of devotion, service to the poor, and tireless work for the Brigittine Order continue to inspire Catholics around the world.