Dymphna was born in the seventh century to an Irish pagan king, Damon, and his wife, a devout Christian. Her mother passed on her beauty and piety to her daughter. Dymphna had a great devotion to God. When she was 14 years old her mother died and her father became ill with grief. His advisors urged him to marry again. He sent messengers throughout the lands to find a women of similar appearance and character, to those of his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found his evil advisors suggested he marry his own child. In his madness he made advances on his young daughter. Horrified, she refused him and sought the help of her religious advisor, the elderly priest St Gerebran. Together they fled, with two other friends, to Belgium.
When Damon discovered their disappearance he pursued them angrily. He found them in the village of Gheel, where they had taken up residence next to a chapel of St Martin. He renewed his offer but was spurned again. Father Gerebran rebuked him for his evil aspirations. Damon had the priest beheaded. He continued to try and persuade Dymphna. When enticing promises failed he threatened her. Courageously she rejected all of his proposals. Raving in his madness he drew out his sword and struck off her head. She was 15 years old when she died.
Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom in defence of her purity. Many miracles and cures have occurred at her shrine in Gheel.
St Dymphna is the patron of the mentally ill, epileptics, incest victims, rape victims, runaways, anxiety, depression and nervous disorders. She is a powerful intercessor in heaven for those who ask for her help!
Prayer to St Dymphna
Generous St. Dymphna, like all Christ's martyrs you gained this crowning grace because you prepared for it by a life of self denial. By faithfulness in smaller things you were ready for your final trial. Please teach us by your example and help us to use the good things of life so that we may not miss our chance for life eternal. Help us, too, to watch and pray for ourselves and others. Amen.
"St Dymphna Pray for us"
