Dymphna was born in Ireland in the 7th century to Damon, who was Chieftain of Oriel, and to a devout Catholic mother. Her mother had her baptized and raised in the Faith in secret because of her husband’s pagan beliefs.

At the age of 14, she consecrated herself to Christ and took a vow of chastity. Soon afterward, her mother died, and her father, who had loved his wife deeply, began to suffer a rapid deterioration of his mental stability.

He became unhinged and his counselors encouraged him to remarry. While grieving, he agreed to it if a woman as beautiful as his wife could be found. He sent messengers throughout to find a woman of noble birth who resembled his wife and would be willing to marry him.

When none could be found, his deceptive advisors made sinful suggestions for him, opposing the Christian faith, to marry his own daughter as he recognized only his wife when he looked upon her. He consented for an arrangement.

When she found out, it caused great mental anguish and she fled with her confessor, Father Gerebran, and trusted servants. They sailed to and hid in the town of Gheel, Belgium, near a shrine of Saint Martin of Tours.

She began using the wealth she had taken with her to assist the sick and poor of the region and unfortunately, word spread about her and her deeds, and her father discovered her whereabouts. He sent agents to pursue her and when they were discovered, he set out with his soldiers, and sailed to her location with the hopes of bringing her back. Him and his men captured the group and he continued his attempts, promising great wealth and esteems if she accepted his offer, but she stayed true to her vow and declined. In his anger, he threatened the priest’s life but she still declined and he ordered his men to kill the priest. When he tempted and threatened her again, she rejected him fully and resisted his force. In a rage, he drew his sword and beheaded his own daughter.

When the Chieftain left, the residents collected both Dymphna and Father Gerebran’s remains and laid them to rest in a nearby cave.

A church was built in Gheel in her name and many people suffering from mental disorders began pilgrimages to the location.

In the 15th century, the original church burned, and a new magnificent Church of Saint Dymphna was erected and consecrated with her remains placed in a silver reliquary in the church. Many miracles have been proven to take place at her shrine.

In defense of her purity, she received the crown of martyrdom and became known as the “Lily of Éire”.

She is the patron saint of those suffering from nervous and mental health afflictions and victims of incest.

Her feast day is May 15.

For God’s Glory.