Saint Dymphna


Dymphna
The beheading of Saint Dymphna by Godfried Maes
Virgin Martyr
Born7th century
Ireland
Died30 May, 7th century
Geel, Belgium
Venerated in
Canonized620
Feast
  • 30 May
  • (formerly 15 May)
AttributesLamp, Sword (with which she was beheaded), lilies
PatronageMental health professionals, those suffering from mental illnesses

Saint Dymphna (also Dimpna, Dymfna, Dimfna, Dympna and Dympha, Irish also Damhnait or Davnet) is a Christian saint honoured in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. According to tradition, she lived in the 7th century and was martyred by her father.

The life of Saint Dymphna was first recorded in the 13th century by a canon of the Church of Aubert of Avranches at Cambrai, France. It was commissioned by Guiard of Laon, the Bishop of Cambrai (1238–1248).