Catherine of Vadstena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintCatherine of Sweden |
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Saint Catherine in Trönö Old Church
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| Born | 1331 or 1332 |
| Died | 24 March 1381 |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Church of Sweden |
| Canonized | 1484 (cultus confirmed) by Innocent VIII |
| Feast | 24 March (Roman Catholic Church) 2 August (Church of Sweden) |
| Attributes | A hind at her side |
| Patronage | Women who suffer miscarriage |
Catherine of Sweden, also known as Katarina av Vadstena or Katarina Ulfsdotter (born around 1332 – died March 24, 1381), was an important Swedish noblewoman. She is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Her father was Ulf Gudmarsson, a lord from Ulvåsa. Her mother was the famous Bridget of Sweden, also known as Birgitta Birgersdotter.
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Her Early Life and Journeys
When Catherine was about twelve or thirteen years old, she married Lord Eggert van Kyren. He was a religious young nobleman from Germany. Catherine convinced him that they should live a life of devotion without physical intimacy. They both chose to live in a state of purity.
In 1349, Catherine traveled with her mother to Rome, Italy. Soon after they arrived, Catherine heard that her husband had passed away. She decided to stay with her mother in Rome. They traveled together to many places, including a special trip to the Holy Land.
Leading the Vadstena Abbey
After her mother, Bridget, passed away, Catherine returned to Sweden. She brought her mother's body back home. Bridget was buried at the Vadstena Abbey, a monastery her mother had started.
Catherine then became the leader of the Brigittine convent at Vadstena Abbey. She worked hard to organize the community. She helped them follow the rules her mother had written for the Order of the Holy Savior, also known as the Bridgettines.
Later, Catherine went back to Rome. Her main goal was to help her mother become a saint. She stayed in Rome for five years. During this time, she became very good friends with another famous saint, Catherine of Siena. Catherine of Sweden felt inspired by a vision to visit the Holy Land again in 1372. She passed away soon after returning to Rome.
Becoming a Saint
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII officially allowed people to honor Catherine as a saint. Her special feast day was set for March 22 in the Roman Martyrology, which is a list of saints.
Catherine is often shown with a female red deer, called a hind, by her side. It is said that this hind helped her when some young men tried to bother her. The hind protected her from harm.
Honoring Saint Catherine Today
In 1488, Pope Innocent VIII also gave permission to move Catherine's holy remains, called relics, to a special place in Vadstena. The full process to officially make her a saint, which includes documenting miracles, was never finished. This was because of a big religious change called the Protestant Reformation.
In the Church of Sweden, Saint Catherine's feast day is celebrated on August 2.
See Also
- List of Swedish saints
