Saint Bride and her Book: Birgitta of Sweden’s Revelations

Saint Birgitta of Sweden (canonised in 1391) is one of the most important female figures of medieval Europe. She participated vigorously in its political life, attempting through her writings to end the Hundred Years War between England and France, and to strengthen the Papacy against the Schism; she also influenced other mystics, such as Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, Chiara Gambacorta, Margery Kempe and Elizabeth Barton, leading a tradition in which women, despite being forbidden to preach, could act through writing visionary books. Birgitta was helped by cardinals, bishops, priors and masters in her task, speaking to Popes, Emperors and all Europe. For this work she is now proclaimed, with Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein, Patron of Europe. This book presents in modern English her medieval biography, excerpts from her massive book, the Revelationes, from a translation into Middle English made at Brigittine Syon Abbey in England. This is accompanied by an interpretive essay and an introduction tracing her life.