In today’s world, conversations about mental health are becoming more common—and thank God for that. But did you know that the Church has a heavenly hero who has been interceding for mental and emotional healing for centuries?

Meet St. Dymphna, the Lily of Éire—a young woman whose story of faith, courage, and compassion shines just as brightly today as it did in 7th-century Ireland.

Born to a pagan king and a devout Christian queen, Dymphna was drawn to Christ from an early age. At just 14, she consecrated her life to God with a vow of chastity. When her beloved mother died, her father, King Damon, spiraled into overwhelming grief and mental instability. His pain twisted into darkness, and in his brokenness, he made a horrifying decision: he sought to marry his daughter.

Refusing to betray her faith or her dignity, Dymphna fled her homeland, crossing the sea to what is now Belgium. With her spiritual director, Fr. Gerebernus, and a few companions, she settled in the town of Geel. There, Dymphna quietly lived the Gospel—using her wealth to care for the poor, especially those suffering mental illnesses.

But her peace didn’t last forever. Her father found her, and when she bravely refused his demands, he killed her in a moment of madness. St. Dymphna died a martyr at only fifteen years old.

Her legacy, though, was just beginning.

The Patron Saint of Mental Health

After Dymphna’s death, miracles began to flow. Geel became a place of radical Christian hospitality, welcoming those with mental illnesses into homes and families—a model of community-based care that would continue for centuries.

Today, St. Dymphna is honored around the world as the patron saint of mental health, anxiety, depression, trauma survivors, and caregivers. Her story reminds us that healing, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of God’s love for every person.

At a time when mental health struggles touch so many lives, St. Dymphna stands as a bright light—showing us that suffering does not define us, and that we are never alone.

Pray with Us: St. Dymphna Novena

In preparation for St. Dymphna’s feast day, we invite you to pray the St. Dymphna Novena, lovingly produced in collaboration with Divine Mercy University—an incredible Catholic institution dedicated to the study of psychology and counseling through the lens of our faith.

Whether you are praying for yourself, a loved one, or for all those struggling with mental health challenges, know that St. Dymphna is ready to intercede for you.

🙏 Join us in prayer here: Pray with us on Tabella

Here’s the prayer for the novena:

Novena Prayer to St. Dymphna

O God, we humbly beseech You through Your

servant, St. Dymphna, who sealed with her blood

the love she bore You, to grant relief to those

who suffer from mental afflictions and nervous

disorders, especially (State your intention for this novena or name an afflicted person you know).

St. Dymphna, martyr of purity, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, patroness of those who suffer mental affliction, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

We ask you, Lord, to hear the prayers of St. Dymphna on our behalf. Grant patience in suffering, hope in despair, strength in trial, and companionship in loneliness to all those for whom we pray. Please fill them with consolation and grant them the healing of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace. Amen.

A huge thank you to Divine Mercy University for partnering with us in honoring St. Dymphna and promoting mental wellness rooted in our Catholic faith! If you’re interested in learning more about DMU’s amazing programs, check them out at divinemercy.edu.

Together, let’s bring light to the darkness and healing to hearts that ache. 🕊️

St. Dymphna, pray for us!