St. Dymphna

Dymphna was fourteen when her mother died. Her father, Damon, is said to have been afflicted with a mental illness, brought on by his grief. He sent messengers throughout his town and other lands to find some woman of noble birth, resembling his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found, his evil advisers told him to marry his own daughter.

Dymphna fled from her castle together with her confessor and two other friends. Damon found them in Belgium. He gave orders that the priest's head be cut off. Then Damon tried to persuade his daughter to return to Ireland with him. When she refused, he drew his sword and struck off her head. She was then only fifteen years of age. Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom in defense of her purity about the year 620. Many miracles have taken place at her shrine, built on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium.

She is the patron of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions. Her Feast Day is February 6.