St. Bridget of Sweden
St. Bridget was the daughter of a governor and judge in Uppland. This heritage made her the daughter of a wealthy landholder, so her early life was one of privilege and luxury. Money didn’t corrupt her parents, though. She was given a strict religious upbringing. It was this religious upbringing that would carry her through the death of a beloved husband.
After her husband’s death, Bridget became the person that would eventually become a patron saint. She believed that Christ spoke directly to her through visions. She lived out the rest of her life in Rome, where her piousness and charitable lifestyle was renowned by church leaders. In 1391, she was canonized by Boniface IX. It is fitting that she is the Patron Saint of Widows. The death of her husband led to her devoting her devoting her life entirely to God, and in turn leading her to a life of charity and faith.
