Dymphna

About Dymphna

Dymphna was an Irish princess who fled to Belgium to escape her pagan father's incestuous demands after her mother's death. She lived as a hermit near Geel, caring for the poor and sick. Her father tracked her down and, when she refused to return, beheaded her around age 15. A healing cult developed at her shrine, particularly for the mentally ill. Geel became famous for community-based care of mentally ill, housing them with families—centuries ahead of modern approaches. Dymphna became patron saint of mental illness and nervous disorders.