A Catholic prayer for those suffering from depression or anxiety
St. Dymphna was born in Ireland in the seventh century. When Dymphna was 14 years old, her Christian mother died and her pagan father tried to marry her (she’s also the patron saint of incest!). She fled and dedicated her life to serving the sick and impoverished. Eventually her dad caught up with her and murdered her. She was buried in a town called Geel in modern day Belgium. Pilgrims flocked to her burial site, where many were miraculously cured of mental, emotional, and neurological maladies. She was canonized in 1247, and people still travel to Geel to seek healing. Dymphna is one of the few saints mentioned in the rite of exorcism, and chases away demons every day when this rite is invoked by priests the world over.
Prayer to St. Dymphna (Patron Saint for mentally ill)
Saint Dymphna
Lord, our God, you graciously chose St. Dymphna as patroness of those afflicted with mental and nervous disorders. She is thus an inspiration and a symbol of charity to the thousands who ask her intercession.
Please grant, Lord, through the prayers of this pure youthful martyr, relief and consolation to all suffering such trials, and especially those for whom we pray.
(Mention those for whom you wish to pray).
We beg you, Lord, to hear the prayers of St. Dymphna on our behalf. Grant all those for whom we pray patience in their sufferings and resignation to your divine will. Please fill them with hope, and grant them the relief and cure they so much desire.
We ask this through Christ our Lord who suffered agony in the garden.
Amen