Gospel in Art: Feast of St Bridget of Sweden, Patroness of Europe

St Bridget of Sweden, by the Master of Soeterbeeck,1470 © Metropolitan Museum, New York, Gift of J Pierpont Morgan, 1916

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 23 July 2024
John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:

'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more. You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you.

Make your home in me, as I make mine in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing.

Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away - he withers; these branches are collected and thrown on the fire, and they are burnt. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get it.

It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit, and then you will be my disciples.'

Reflection on the sculpture

Saint Bridget of Sweden, born in 1303, was born into a strongly devout family. After the death of her husband, she founded the Bridgettine Order, a monastic religious community for both monks and nuns, which emphasized a strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Augustine. Bridget is best known for her mystical visions, many of which were recorded in her writings and revealed detailed accounts of Christ's Passion and messages from the Virgin Mary. Her influence during her lifetime extended well beyond Sweden, as she embarked on pilgrimages across Europe, including a notable journey to Rome, where she sought to reform the Church and encourage a return to its spiritual roots.

Saint Bridget was declared one of the patron saints of Europe by Pope John Paul II in 1999, alongside Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). This recognition honours her profound impact on European Christian spirituality and culture. Bridget's life exemplified the unification of Christian values across diverse nations, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual renewal within the continent.

In our Flemish carved oak sculpture from circa 1470, we see Saint Bridget of Sweden (ca. 1303-1373) shown in the act of writing her "Revelations", which, according to tradition, were dictated to her by Christ himself. She is shown in the monastic habit of the order she founded, Saint Saviour of the Brigittines. The sculpture features the order's distinctive headdress, with its unique cross-shaped design. It consists of a white linen cloth that covers the head and shoulders, with a crown-like band that holds a small cross at the front. This cross is made of five red dots or jewels, representing the five wounds of Christ. The one on the sculpture was probably made of precious stones; although it has now been lost, we can still see the empty recess.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-15-1-8-2024-3/