Saint Dymphna (7th century?) Martyred by her father Feast Day 30th May

The story of Dymphna and her friends was first recorded in the 13th century after their bodies were discovered.

Oral Tradition says Dymphna’s father, Damon, was a petty king of Oriel in Ireland ; her mother was a devout Christian.

When she was 14 years of age she consecrated herself to Christ and took a vow of chastity.

Her father’s mental health deteriorated when his wife died. His counsellors pressed him to remarry. He agreed on the condition the new wife looked like his first wife. Searching proved fruitless and he began to desire his daughter because of her resemblance to her mother.

The daughter learned of his intentions and fled the court with her confessor Father Gerebemus , two trusted servants and the king’s fool. They went to Gheel (now Geel) in Belgium.

Tradition says she built a hospice for the poor and sick in Geel. Her father’s agents eventually found her. Damon had Gerebemus killed. She refused to return so he drew his sword and struck off his 15 year old daughter’s head. Residents initially buried the two friends in a nearby cave; later moved to a more suitable location.

1349, nearly 700 years later, a church honouring Dymphna was built in Geel.

By 1480 pilgrims were coming from all over Europe seeking treatment for psychiatric disorders. This tradition is still on going. Patients are called ‘boarders’. They become part of the community.It has continued for over 500 years. ( Read paragraph which begins with In 1349 for more information.)

Dymphna w as beheaded on May 30th. The year of her death is uncertain.

Dymphna is the Patron saint for the insane.

Sources
Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of Saints by Howard Loxton