Which Catholic saint founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior, known as the Bridgettines?

Bridget of Sweden founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior, known as the Bridgettines.

Bridget was born in Sweden around 1303 into a wealthy and influential family. She married Ulf Gudmarsson and had children, including Catherine of Sweden. After her husband’s death, Bridget devoted herself more fully to religious life, pilgrimage, charitable work, and recording the visions that shaped her spiritual writings.

She founded the order in the 14th century, establishing its principal monastery at Vadstena in Sweden. The community’s rule provided for both nuns and priests, with the nuns forming the central community. Bridget later moved to Rome and became a forceful advocate for the pope’s return from Avignon.

Bridget died in Rome in 1373 and was canonized in 1391 by Pope Boniface IX. Pope John Paul II named her one of Europe’s patron saints in 1999, alongside Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein.