St. Dymphna

Patron Saint of Mental Health and Those with Nervous Afflictions

St. Dymphna was a seventh century saint who was believed to be only fifteen years old at the time of her martyrdom. She was born to Irish royalty, but when her mother died, her father pursued her, and she took refuge in modern-day Belgium. Eventually, she was found and was killed by her father because she had taken a vow of chastity. Today, she is known as the patron saint of those suffering from nervous and mental health afflictions. Devotion to St. Dymphna has increased in recent years, especially with novenas prayed before her feast day.

Catholic Apostolate Center Blog Posts on St. Dymphna

• The Beauty of the Communion of Saints

• Saint Dymphna: Model of True Freedom

Pilgrimage Site in the United States

• National Shrine of St Dymphna — Massillon, OH