When was the Bridgettine order founded and by whom?
The Bridgettine order was founded by Saint Birgitta of Sweden in 1344. It received papal approval from Pope Urban V in 1370.
Common questions about Bridgettines
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the significance of the red marks on the Bridgettine nun's veil?
The five red marks on the linen crown of the Bridgettine nun's veil recall the Five Wounds of Christ on the Cross. This symbol serves as a constant, tactile reminder of the order's foundational devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.
Where was the first Bridgettine monastery established and when?
The first monastery of the order was established in 1369 at the former royal castle of Vadstena on the shores of Lake Vättern in Sweden. This site was chosen for its historical significance and its potential to serve as a spiritual center for the new order.
When did the Bridgettine community return to England after their exile?
The Bridgettine community returned to England in 1861 after remaining in Lisbon since 1594. They had previously been exiled to the Low Countries and Rouen in France before settling in Lisbon.
Who founded the modern Swedish branch of the Bridgettine order and when was it approved?
The Swedish branch was founded by Saint Elizabeth Hesselblad on the 8th of September 1911. It was fully approved by the Holy See on the 7th of July 1940.
When was the Monastery of Our Lady of Consolation in Oregon founded?
The Monastery of Our Lady of Consolation in Amity, Oregon, was founded on the 16th of March 1976 by Brother Benedict Kirby. It is the only Brigittine monastery of men in the world and the first since the nineteenth century.