Why an obscure 7th-century Irish saint is now the patron saint of domestic violence victims.
(Jenny duBay/CreateSoulSpace.net, photo of St. Dymphna from Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe NC)
Although the 7th century Irish martyr, St. Dymphna, has remained in obscurity through the centuries, her status is beginning to change. It’s true that she still may not be as popular as some of the Catholic saints such as St. Patrick or St. Brigid, but that doesn't make her any less powerful of an intercessor—particularly in today's high-stress world.
St. Dymphna is the patroness of those with emotional disorders including anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
These are all issues victims and survivors of domestic violence struggle with, and that's what makes St. Dymphna the perfect patroness and friend to all those who've been used, abused, and betrayed by intimate family members.
Just as she was.
Just as she was.
