St. Catherine of Sweden

St. Catherine of Sweden was born in 1331 to St. Bridget and became an abbess, known for her piety, chastity, and dedication to spiritual practices. She spent her life in devotion, including promoting her mother's canonization and living in asceticism. She was canonized in 1484.

St. Catherine of Sweden was born in 1331, the daughter of the renowned St. Bridget of Sweden. From a young age, Catherine was devoted to her spiritual education, first entering the Abbey at Risburgh at the age of seven. By 13, she was married to Egard, a German nobleman, but the two of them made a vow of perpetual chastity, committing themselves entirely to God’s service. Together, they dedicated their lives to prayer, mortification, and charity, which were central themes of Catherine's later life.

Following her father's death in 1349, Catherine joined her mother on a pilgrimage to Rome to venerate the relics of the Roman Martyrs. The two spent several years in Rome, where St. Bridget passed away in 1373. After her mother’s death, Catherine returned to Sweden with her mother’s body but soon made another trip to Rome to advocate for her mother’s canonization and to seek approval for a Rule she had written for a community of religious women.

In Rome, she was able to gain approval for her Rule, and upon returning to Sweden, she was appointed as the abbess of Vadstena Abbey, where she remained until her death in 1381. During the final years of her life, Catherine lived an austere lifestyle, making the Sacrament of Confession a daily part of her routine. She was renowned for her deep spiritual life and was a prominent figure in the Bridgettine Order.

St. Catherine’s legacy continued after her death, and she was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1484. Known for her devotion, she is regarded as an important figure in the history of the Church and a symbol of spiritual dedication and purity.

Feast Day

24-3-1381

Birth Date

13-6-1331

Died Date

24-3-1381

Canonised Date

22-9-1484

Vadsstena Abbey, Sweden

O Saint Catherine of Sweden, faithful servant of God, guide us with your wisdom and love. Help us to embrace humility and charity in our hearts, and lead us to follow Christ with unwavering devotion. Intercede for us, that we may grow in holiness and live a life of compassion and service to others. Through your intercession, may we be strengthened in faith and receive the grace to live according to God's will. Amen.
ST. CATHERINE OF SWEDEN

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