This delicate flower certainly did take a lot of heat.

St. Dymphna is the patron saint of the mentally ill. Her legacy stands strong today for those who champion the weak and oppressed. Some refer to her as the “lily of fire.” This delicate flower certainly did take a lot of heat. St. Dymphna’s story, like that of most saints and holy people, is a gruesome one. History tells us that Dymphna was beheaded by her father at the young age of 15. He did this because she refused to become his wife. It is easy to see how she took her rightful place in history as the patroness of those with mental and nervous disorders.

Miraculous Healings

The Magical Power of the Saints by Ray Malbrough says she is petitioned for “cases of insanity, obsession with demons, nervous disorders, mental afflictions, family harmony, and epiplepsy.” Although she was born in Ireland in the 7^th century The Sacred shrine for her is located in Gheel, Belgium. The National Shrine of St. Dymphna talks of the circumstances surrounding her burial in Belgium. It seems after her unfortunate death her remains were placed in a cave in Gheel, when the people of the town went to remove them some years later it a white tomb had appeared, inside her coffin was a red tile which said “ Here lies the holy virgin and martyr, Dymphna.” The relics are housed in her church there. The site has been one of miraculous healings ever since.

St. Dymphna also holds a special place in the hearts of New Orleans residents, probably because of the large Irish population that immigrated to the city. A larger-than-life sized statue stands in the city’s International Shrine of St. Jude, located across from St. Louis cemetery Number One. The cemetery is said to house New Orleans’ most famous Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau. There is a special box located in the shrine next to the statue of St. Dymphna for offerings. Voodoo practitioners have been known to made pilgrimages to both Dymphna and Queen Marie Laveau when necessary.

St. Dymphna Pray for Us!

Dymphna can be turned to for help with charity, faith, fortitude and hope. Recite the following prayer three times before going to sleep, and in times of need.

St. Dymphna pray for us!

Look kindly on the pure deeds of those who struggle everywhere !

Help them/us find stability and security in the difficult storms that they find themselves in.

Help them/us be inspired by her example and comforted by her help !

Many blessings to you, now and always!