Bishop Tobin on St. Dymphna

"Do you know the story of St. Dymphna?

"Dymphna lived in Ireland in the seventh-century, and was just 15 years old when she was killed because she rejected the sexual advances of her mentally deranged father. . . . Because of many reports of miraculous healings of mental illness attributed to St. Dymphna, and because of popular devotion to her, she was canonized in 1247. Dymphna is honored as a virgin-martyr and her Feast Day is May 15th.

"I first became aware of St. Dymphna as the Bishop of Youngstown, Ohio, because the National Shrine of St. Dymphna is located in Massillon, Ohio, in that Diocese. But interestingly, her name is popping-up more frequently these days as an increasing number of students are taking the name Dymphna as their Confirmation name."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on devotion to St. Dymphna, who is the patron saint of people who are struggling with mental illness and emotional distress.

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit: 

The Imitation of Christ: St. Dymphna, Pray for Us (12 MAY 22)