St. Lydwina of Schiedam

St. Lydwina of Schiedam was a Dutch mystic who became bedridden after an ice skating accident at age 15. Despite lifelong illness, she experienced deep spiritual visions and became a powerful witness to faith, patience, and redemptive suffering.

St. Lydwina of Schiedam, born on April 18, 1380, in Schiedam, Netherlands, lived a life marked by intense suffering and profound spiritual transformation. Coming from a modest working-class family, Lydwina was one of nine children. Her life changed dramatically at the age of 15, when she fell while ice skating and broke a rib. What began as a simple injury turned into a chronic, debilitating illness, possibly involving gangrene and other complications that left her bedridden for the rest of her life.

Rather than falling into despair, Lydwina began a spiritual journey that would come to define her sanctity. She turned inward and embraced her suffering as a path to deeper union with Christ. Over time, she experienced intense mystical visions, including visits from Christ and her guardian angel, as well as spiritual journeys to heaven, hell, and purgatory. These visions were both consoling and instructive, helping guide her through her extraordinary pain and offering her insight into the spiritual realm.

Despite her condition, Lydwina's presence became a source of strength and inspiration for those around her. Her home became a place of pilgrimage where many came to seek her intercession and spiritual counsel. She was known not just for her suffering, but for the deep love she maintained for God and others. One notable element of her vision included receiving a rose branch, a symbol of the promise of her death, which would blossom at the end of her earthly suffering.

After her death on April 14, 1433, Lydwina’s grave became a site of devotion. Her story was documented by Thomas à Kempis, the author of The Imitation of Christ, who played a role in preserving her spiritual legacy. Centuries later, she was formally recognized by the Catholic Church, and Pope Leo XIII confirmed her canonization in 1890.

The Basilica of St. Lydwina in Schiedam, which was built between 1878 and 1881, now houses her relics. The basilica features painted panels that tell the story of her life, serving both as a tribute to her memory and a source of inspiration for those facing suffering. Today, St. Lydwina is known as the patron saint of the chronically ill, ice skaters, and her hometown of Schiedam. Her feast is celebrated annually on April 14, with special celebrations held in Schiedam on the Sunday before Ascension Day.

Her life continues to resonate with those who seek purpose in suffering and those who find comfort in spiritual endurance. Her example is especially meaningful for individuals who live with chronic pain or illness and who strive to maintain faith in the midst of adversity.

Feast Day

14-4-

Birth Date

18-4-1380

Died Date

14-4-1433

Canonised Date

--1890

Schiedam, Netherlands

O Lord, who gave St. Lydwina the grace to endure great suffering with patience and love, grant us, through her intercession, strength in our own trials and the courage to unite our sufferings with yours. Amen.
ST. LYDWINA OF SCHIEDAM

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ST. LYDWINA OF SCHIEDAM

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