I have in my life been gravely affected by mental illness. My father was schizophrenic, and behaviors caused by his illness ultimately led to his death. I have an autistic daughter, and I myself have from time to time suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. If you know someone who suffers from a mental disorder, please remember that it is no different than kidney disease or heart trouble. Please try to love them through their illness. And remember them to St. Dymphna, patron said of nervous and mental afflictions. Remember me, too, and our friends in this group who suffer from various disorders as well. ------------------------------- Dymphna was fourteen when her mother died. Her father, Damon, is said to have been afflicted with a mental illness, brought on by his grief. He sent messengers throughout his town and other lands to find some woman of noble birth, resembling his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found, his evil advisers told him to marry his own daughter. Dymphna fled from her castle together with St. Gerebran, her confessor and two other friends. Damon found them in Belgium. He gave orders that the priests head be cut off. Then Damon tried to persuade his daughter to return to Ireland with him. When she refused, he drew his sword and struck off her head. She was then only fifteen years of age. Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom in defense of her purity about the year 620. She is the patron of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions. Many miracles have taken place at her shrine, built on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 06:37:45 +0000
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