Bridget, religious - July 23rd
St Bridget (d. 1373, Rome, Italy) (Relics: Rome, Italy; Vadstena, Sweden)
First Class Relics
Santa Brigida a Campo de' Fiori
(St Bridget at the Field of Flowers)
Piazza Farnese 96
Rome, Italy
*This church is at Piazza Farnese.
*Following the death of her husband, St Bridget of Sweden devoted herself completely to a life of prayer and service. After founding the Bridgettine Sisters in Sweden she felt compelled to visit Rome in order to seek official approval for her community. Her visit resulted in her permanently remaining in the city for the next twenty-four years until her passing in 1373. Today a few of her relics rest within this Bridgettine convent which still to this day is occupied by members of her community. Her body was returned to Sweden shortly after her death.
Vadstena Klosterkyrka
(Vadstena Abbey)
Lasarettsgatan
59230 Vadstena, Sweden
*Relics of St Bridget were transferred here as mentioned above. They rest within the chapel in the right transept.
Churches of Honor in Rome
San Lorenzo in Panisperna (St Lawrence in Panisperna)
Via Panisperna 90
Rome, Italy
*This church is west of the Basilica of St Mary Major. It is often closed during the week. However, it is always open for the faithful during Sunday liturgies.
*The second chapel on the left side of the nave is dedicated to St Bridget. Her body was originally buried in this chapel before being moved to Sweden. She used to beg for alms for the poor outside of this church and prayed before the crucifix by the main altar.
*This church also rests over the spot of St Lawrence’s martyrdom (d. 258). A chapel built under the porch marks where it occurred. Within this chapel is the oven that was used to roast St Lawrence alive.
Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls
Via Ostiense 186
Rome, Italy
*This church is south of the Aurelian Walls.
*In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a crucifix that is said to have spoken to St Bridget in 1370.
*St Paul is buried in the confessio. Above his tomb are the chains that were used to imprison him prior to his martyrdom. These chains were placed in this prominent location in 2008.
