Litany of Saints
Picture: Erik Salvén · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Catherine of Vadstena

Swedish noblewoman (c.1332–1381)

SaintResearchedSwedenBridgettinesPre-congregation

Feast: 24 March (not on the universal Roman calendar; kept in the Roman Martyrology or local calendars)

Born
1331
verified
Died
24 March 1381
verified
Beatified
not needed: before formal processes
Canonised
By tradition
recognised before formal processes began

Who they were

Catherine, fourth child of St Bridget of Sweden, married Eggart von Kürnen at about fourteen and persuaded him to live with her in chastity. She went with her mother to Rome in 1349; widowed soon after, she refused all suitors and shared her mother's labours and ascetic life.

She became head of her mother's convent at Vadstena and worked in Rome for St Bridget's canonisation and the confirmation of the order. She died on 24 March 1381.

The miracles

In 1484 Pope Innocent VIII gave permission for her veneration as a saint; the Catholic Encyclopedia does not describe a formal cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

A daughter of St Bridget who shared and carried on her mother's work.

Connected on this site

  • Bridget of Sweden Saint Parent, Mother
    “She was the mother of Catherine of Vadstena.” — Wikipedia
Sources

Checked against the sources listed on 21 September 2026. Corrections welcome.

All saints · About this site · Report a mistake on this page