St. Dymphna (D. 620)

Saint Dymphna was a 7th-century martyr of purity who became a patron to those suffering from mental disorders. She was the daughter of a pagan Irish king, Damon, and a Christian mother renowned for her beauty. Dymphna was baptized in secret, and by age 14 had consecrated herself to Christ and had taken a vow of chastity.

When Dymphna’s mother died, Damon’s advisors pressured him to remarry. He agreed, but only to a woman who rivaled his deceased wife’s beauty. In his grief at being widowed, Damon’s mental state declined. He resolved to marry Dymphna, his own daughter. In response, she fled with her priest-confessor, Gerebemus, to Geel, Belgium. While there, she engaged in good works, including building 
a hospital for the poor.
 
Damon found Dymphna and attempted to force her to return to Ireland and become his wife, but she refused. Damon then killed both Fr. Gerebemus and Dymphna.

Dymphna is called the “Lily of Eire” for her natural beauty and life of virtue. Many churches have been built in her honor, and miracles have been attributed to her intercession. She is a powerful intercessor for those with psychiatric disorders. Her U.S. shrine is in St. Mary’s Church in Massillon, OH.