Episode 2058: St. Lydwine of Scheidam

St. Lydwine of Schiedam, also known as Lidwina or Lydwid, was a Dutch mystic and saint who lived in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. She was born in Schiedam, a town in the Netherlands, in 1380.

Lydwine's life was marked by intense spiritual experiences and suffering. At the age of 15, while ice skating, she fell and broke a rib, leading to a series of ailments that would afflict her for the rest of her life. She experienced excruciating pain and various illnesses, including paralysis and the development of large wounds on her body, which were believed to be stigmata.

Despite her suffering, Lydwine remained devoted to her faith and embraced her afflictions as a form of spiritual purification. She became known for her holiness and her ability to endure suffering with patience and grace.

Throughout her life, Lydwine claimed to have visions of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and various saints. She also reported mystical experiences, including ecstasies and moments of divine communion. These mystical encounters deepened her faith and inspired those around her.

Lydwine's fame as a mystic spread, and people from far and wide came to seek her counsel and prayers. She became a revered figure in the Catholic Church, with many regarding her as a living saint.

St. Lydwine of Schiedam died on April 14, 1433, at the age of 53. Her cult grew in the years following her death, and she was eventually canonized as a saint by Pope Leo XIII in 1890.

Today, St. Lydwine is venerated as the patron saint of chronic illness, ice skaters, and the town of Schiedam. Her life serves as an example of faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of suffering united with Christ. Her feast day is celebrated on April 14th, commemorating the day of her death.