Bridget was born on June 14, 1303, in a devout family of Sweden. At the age of fourteen she was wedded to Ulf Gunmarsson, an equally holy and God-fearing Swedish. In 1335 the couple moved to the royal court as Bridget was appointed chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Blanche Namur of Sweden. Her attempts to correct the frivolous life of the young King Magnus II and Queen Blanche were not entirely successful.
Bridget is remembered chiefly for her personal messages and revelations that she had been receiving from God ever since her childhood. Since some of the visions had political and social dimensions, she undertook arduous travels to establish peace among nations, especially between England and France. When the visions were constant and repetitive, she had her own misgivings about them and humbly submitted the matter to Rev. Mathias, Canon of Linkoepping, who pronounced them to be of divine origin. After the death of her husband in 1344, Bridget founded the Order of the Most Holy Trinity or Bridgettines at Vadstena. In 1350, she entrusted her spiritual children to the care of her daughter who is known as St. Catherine of Sweden. Thereafter, Bridget shifted her residene to Rome. The last days of her life were marred by problems at home, mounting debts in the newly established Religious Order and shipwreck abroad while on her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She died in Rome on July 23, 1373, shortly after her her return to the Eternal City from Palestine. Bridget was canonized in 1391.
Reflection: Bridget was a contemplative in action. While visions and revelations raised her to summit of mysticism, she also knew how to dowm from the mount of Tabor and place all her messages to the service of individuals and nations, Evdery gift we received from is for the growth of His people.
True wisdom consists in works, not in great talens which the world admires. St. Bridget.
