Supplicatory Canon to Saint Dymphna Healer of Mental Illnesses
Saint Dymphna, honoured in the Orthodox and Catholic traditions, is venerated as the patroness of those suffering from mental illness and emotional distress. She was born in Ireland in the 7th century, the daughter of a pagan king and a Christian mother. Her mother, who raised her in the faith, died while Dymphna was still young. Stricken by grief, her father's mind became clouded with instability, and he developed an unnatural desire to marry his own child because she resembled his late wife.
Refusing to abandon her Christian purity and faith, Dymphna fled from Ireland with her confessor, Father Gerebernus, and a small group of companions. They crossed the sea and found refuge in the town of Geel, in present-day Belgium. There she dedicated herself to prayer, works of charity, and the service of the poor and sick. However, her father eventually discovered her hiding place. Overcome with rage at her refusal, he killed Father Gerebernus and then struck down Dymphna with his own sword when she resisted his demands.
Her martyrdom around the age of fifteen left a lasting mark on Christian devotion. Soon after, miracles of healing-especially of mental afflictions-were reported at her tomb, and Geel became a renowned place of pilgrimage and care.
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