Friday, October 28, 2005

Another patron of those who suffer from Mental Illness

I have discovered that Saint Gertrude is another patron saint of those suffering from Mental Illness.

Saint Gertrude the great was a Benedictine and mystic writer, born in Germany, 6 Jan., 1256. She died at Helfta, near Eisleben, Saxony, 17 November, 1301 or 1302. Her inner struggle centered around her sensitive and impetuous nature.

St. Gertrude the Great is invoked for souls in purgatory and for living sinners. She had a devotion to the Sacred Heart and to praying for the Souls in purgatory. Our Lord told St. Gertrude that the following prayer (see post below)would release 1000 souls from purgatory each time it is said. The prayer was extended to include living sinners as well.

3 comments:

Saint Peter's helpers said...

I once borrowed a book about her life. It was rich with her mystical experiences. Unfortunately I didn't get to much of the book. I didn't know she had mental illness. She is close to my heart. These saints suffered much for love of God.

Staying in Balance said...

I haven't researched her enough to know whether or not she had mental illness. She is one of the patron saints of the mentally ill, though.

Saint Peter's helpers said...

4HC...Thank you for the clarification!

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