Saint Lydwine of Schiedam (1380-1433) was a Dutch mystic and saint who lived a life marked by extraordinary suffering and profound spirituality. Born on April 18, 1380, in Schiedam, Netherlands, Lydwine’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of 15 or 16 when she fell while ice skating and broke a rib. This accident led to a prolonged and excruciating illness that lasted nearly four decades.
Despite her physical afflictions, Lydwine’s spiritual life flourished. She developed a deep devotion to the Eucharist and experienced ecstatic visions, including glimpses of Heaven and Purgatory, and participation in Christ’s Passion. Her suffering became a source of spiritual growth, and she offered her pain to God, dedicating her time to prayer and meditation.
Lydwine’s life was characterized by her extraordinary devotion to the Passion of Christ and her desire to share in His sufferings. She reportedly possessed the gift of inedia, living solely on the Eucharist for the last 19 years of her life. Miracles occurred at her bedside, granting relief and healing to those who sought her intercession.
Saint Lydwine passed away on April 14, 1433, coinciding with Easter. Her feast day is celebrated on April 14th, and she is venerated as a patron saint against sickness, bodily ills, and prolonged suffering. Her legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of offering one’s suffering to God.
Prayer:
O Glorious Saint Lydwine of Schiedam, you were chosen by Christ to suffer immense pain for poor sinners and to offer up all your sufferings to Him. Intercede on our behalf and help us through our small sufferings that cannot be compared to yours. Grant us the grace to trust completely in Jesus even during times of deep sorrow and confusion. Help us to always place our petitions in the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary who on our behalf will offer up our petitions to Jesus, like she did kindly for you. May we be given the grace to persevere in sufferings until the Lord calls us home to enjoy the Glory of Heaven.
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