Today’s saint married at the early age of fourteen and had eight children. After her husband’s death she started a monastery for both men and women who lived in separate buildings and came together in the church for Mass and prayers. She moved from Sweden to Rome where she worked hard for the return of the pope from Avignon, France to Rome. After a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she returned to Rome and died there on this day. St. Bridget was very devoted to the Passion of Jesus as the following prayer illustrates. As we pray it, let us ask that the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus may pour down upon the entire world so that it may be built up in solidarity, justice, and peace.

Blessed are you, my Lord Jesus Christ. You foretold your death and at the Last Supper you marvelously consecrated bread which became your precious body. And then you gave it to your apostles out of love as a memorial of your most holy passion. By washing their feet with your holy hands, you gave them a supreme example of your deep humility.

Eternal praise be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, for the time you endured on the cross the greatest torments and sufferings for us sinners. The sharp pain of your wounds fiercely penetrated even to your blessed soul and cruelly pierced your most sacred heart till finally you sent forth your spirit in peace, bowed your head, and humbly commended yourself into the hands of God your Father, and your whole body remained cold in death.

Blessed may you be, my Lord Jesus Christ. For our salvation you allowed your side and heart to be pierced with a lance; and from that side water and your precious blood flowed out abundantly for our redemption.

Unending honor be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ. On the third day you rose from the dead and appeared to those you had chosen. And after forty days you ascended into heaven before the eyes of many witnesses, and there in heaven you gathered together in glory those you love, whom you had freed from hell.