Saint Dinfna is the protector of people suffering from depression. Depression in its various forms and its cases tell us that each person can experience it differently because different causes led to this disease. Nowadays, depression is one of the most serious health emergencies in the world, and in a few years according to some studies, it will become the first health emergency in the world, with consequent enormous costs for health. Besides of course the suffering of an increasing number of people.
It is estimated that over 300 million people suffer from it, while only half of them are treated. This is because it is not easy to distinguish its symptoms, but also because many underestimate it, perhaps blaming mood swings or daily difficulties. The age group most at risk is between 50 and 70 years old when the traumas of adolescence open due to age and the fatigue accumulated in life.
A disease is a constant and dramatic growth, with an increase of 18.4% of cases from 2005 to 2015. It is therefore good as soon as you realize that something is wrong with specialized medical personnel, especially undergo a correct analysis and psychological therapy with the conscience that will never heal completely, but you can learn to live with it.
For those who believe, there are several patron saints of patients with depression, little known because in a religious environment this disease has always been viewed with suspicion, going from witch-hunting (people ill with schizophrenia or depression) to considering psychology as a practice that moves away from the faith. Instead, the saints are there, all right. The main one is Saint Dinfna, an Irish saint who lived in the seventh century.
Daughter of a pagan king and Christian mother, the father suffered from obvious mental problems, after the death of his wife he tried several times to have incestuous relationships with his daughter who was forced to flee to Belgium. But her father joined her here too, trying to rape her, which she still opposed until the king killed her.
The episode took place in the city of Geel, wherein in the Middle Ages a church was built containing the relics of the saint, and thousands of pilgrims from all over Europe came here in search of intercession for their mental illnesses. In a short time, authentic treatment centers were built and advanced treatments are still practiced in Geel, for example by making the sick work during the day and keeping them at night.
But she is not the only saint who takes care of the depressed: there are Saint Filomena, Saint Margherita of Cortona, the Archangel Raphael, and Saint Loisue Martin, the father of Saint Teresa of Lisieux, who suffered from depression during her life.
Saint Dinfna Prayer
O Lord, our God, by your grace you have us
donated Saint Dinfna as the patron saint of those afflicted with mental disorders, nervous or emotional disorders. She is thus a source of inspiration and a symbol of charity for thousands of people who invoke her intercession and who receive graces and miracles.
I pray to you Lord, our God, for the prayers of this pure and young martyr consolation and healing for those who suffer especially I ask you (ask for the grace you want to obtain).
I implore you, O Lord, listen to my prayer to Saint Dinfna, and through his intercession grant me relief from the sufferings and the much-desired healing, if it conforms with your divine will, and for the good of my soul.
I ask you for Jesus Christ, our Lord, who suffered agony in the Garden of Olives.
Amen.