My brothers and sisters, as we come together over the next nine days to honor St. Dymphna, patron of those suffering mental and emotional afflictions, let us do so with open and receptive hearts.
Little is definitively known of Dymphna's early life, but the glimpses we find in sacred tradition offer profound insight. Born in seventh-century Ireland to a pagan father and devout Christian mother, she experienced the pains of losing her mother at a young age. Yet through it all, Scripture and prayer sustained her, giving her solace and strength even amid darkness.
When tragedy struck again with her father's descent into madness and sinful lust, rather than succumb to fear, Dymphna maintained hope in God's deliverance. She chose flight to escape harm, but found her way not through chance, but divine guidance. Across the sea in Belgium, an entire town would come to revere her for the refuge and healing she offered all who came in need of mind, body or spirit.
For countless ages since, St. Dymphna has remained the heavenly advocate for those afflicted with mental or emotional troubles. It was for these individuals, often unseen and uncared for in her day, that she sacrificed her life. In imitation of Christ who tenders the downtrodden, she embraced the marginalized with compassion.
Over the coming week, we will call upon this gentle saint's intercession. Through daily prayer, Scripture and reflection, may we experience her lasting effects of inner stillness and wellbeing. Let her example of courage, charity and trust in Providential care encourage and strengthen us, or loved ones in want of relief. On the final day, we pray that all restlessness of heart, whatever its nature, find solace and peace through the watchful care of St. Dymphna.
In Christ our hope, let us pray.