“You are afraid to suffer, but it were better to thank God for it, since the more you undergo down here, the less you will endure above. Grief is a portion of one's heritage taken in advance from Purgatory.” - Saint Lydwina of Schiedam
St. Lydwina (also known as St. Lydwine) was born in Schiedam, Holland, in 1380 to a poverty-stricken family. She was one of nine children born to a poor laborer.
In 1396, when Lydwina was 15 years old, she fell while ice skating and broke a rib on the right side as a result of a friend colliding with her. She was injured and never fully recovered. Her body developed an abscess, which subsequently burst and caused her excruciating pain. She experienced ongoing ailments after that. She was soon unable to walk without the aid of a stick or crutch, and her health began to deteriorate. Her martyrdom began when gangrene spread to the rest of her body and no doctor could determine what had caused it.
When Lydwina was about 18 years old, her confessor showed her how to reflect on Christ's Passion. She initially struggled greatly with this, but with a persistent effort, she gained considerable memory and eventually started to experience joy in her suffering, realizing in it God's will and her unique calling.
Lydwina had been confined to bed since the age of twenty, and as the gangrene advanced throughout her body, she became completely paralyzed. where she stayed up until her demise at the age of 53. Around the age of 32, Lydwina began to vomit small organ fragments, including chunks of her lungs, liver, and intestines.
Except for the occasional apple, piece of bread, a glass of milk or wine, sugar, or grapes, St. Lydwina ate very little. When her body could no longer handle even these, she depended on the Eucharist and a small amount of water per week.
Additionally, St. Lydwina suffered from severe headaches, toothaches, and fevers. She had a cleft in her lower lip and chin, making it difficult for her to talk. She was forced to live in complete darkness. She was unable to see because she was blind in her right eye while her left eye was weakened so that it hurt to see any light. With a deep love for God, she accepted all of her afflictions and offered them up for the salvation of sinners and souls in purgatory.
From a young age, St. Lydwina prayed to the Mother of God and had visions of holy images. She experienced mystical gifts, such as the stigmata, supernatural visions of heaven, purgatory, hell, and apparitions of Christ. She passed away in 1433, at the age of 53. She was declared a saint by Pope Leo XII in 1890, and her body is kept in Schiedam's Basilica of St. Lydwina.
Today she is an example for people with multiple sclerosis and other chronic illnesses. She is revered as the patroness of Schiedam, the chronically ill, sickness, and ice skaters. On April 14, people commemorate her feast day. Much of her knowledge comes from Thomas à Kempis' biography about her.
The example of St. Lydwina serves as a constant reminder to always offer difficulties and hardships to God for his glory and to embrace them with an open heart.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Ardalion
2. Saint Abundius
3. Saint Benezet
4. Saint Lambert of Lyon
5. Saint Tassach