Saint Lidwina of Schiedam

Saint Lidwina was born on Palm Sunday, March 18, 1380, in Schiedam, to Peter, an impoverished nobleman, and Petronella; she was the only daughter among nine children. From her early years she had a special devotion to the Mother of God. She was one of the most beautiful girls in the town, and so many sought her hand. But already at the age of 7, Lidwina had made a vow of lifelong chastity to God.

In her fifteenth year the girl had an unfortunate accident. While playing on the ice, she fell and injured her spine. That was the beginning of her long martyrdom, which lasted 38 years. Throughout that time Lidwina never left her bed. Once cheerful and surrounded by admirers, she suddenly became an object of revulsion. The sight of her wounds drove away even the bravest. The doctors could not help her. They tried experimental treatments, which not only brought no relief but made her condition even worse. Paralysis overcame her so completely that she could move only her head and her left hand.

At first, in her misery, she cursed her fate and longed for death. Only after a visit from her confessor, who reminded her of the Passion and death of Christ, did the saint begin to bear her suffering quietly and heroically. She came to see her martyrdom as a kind of apostolate. In this way she wished to convert as many sinners as possible. This offering must have been very pleasing to God, for soon miracles began to happen at her bedside. Crowds from the whole region gathered to ask for her prayers and advice.

Though bedridden herself, she brought hope and comfort to others: to the poor and needy, to the sick and the weak. She prayed much. She had a special love for the Virgin Mary and entrusted her suffering to her. This enabled her to bear a life full of pain with dignity and devotion and to keep her serenity. She kept no possessions. Whatever she received, she gave away to those in need.

Shortly before her death, Christ himself appeared to her with a beautiful crown, which was still missing several jewels. He said to her: “Daughter, it must yet be completed.” A few days later, bandits broke in and robbed her of everything. On April 14, 1433, the saint went to the Lord to receive the promised crown. In 1890 Pope Leo XIII confirmed her cult.

Lidwina is one of the earliest people in whom multiple sclerosis can be diagnosed, since detailed records of the course of her illness have survived.