The Legend of Saint Dimpna
Saint Dymphna is the patron Saint of Geel. But what does that mean and how did she get that position? Well, Geel's history runs deeper than you may expect. In this short blog I'll tell you about the legend of an Irish princess as she tried to escape her father and the effect that has had on the history and culture of Geel.
So, first of all, what was an Irish princess doing in Geel to begin with? Well, Dymphna was the daughter to a heathen king called Damon and a devout christian mother. Her mother had her baptised in secret without her husband knowing by her confessor, Gerebernus. Shortly hereafter, her mother passed away leaving king Damon grieving and with a deteriorating mental health.
King Damon's counsellors would eventually convince him to remarry. Though, he only agreed under one,condition. His new wife has to be just as beautiful as his deceased wife. King Damon searched fruitlessly until one day he began to desire his own daughter because of her resemblance to her mother. Dymphna, wanting to uphold her vows fled his court along with father Gerebernus and a few other servants. They sailed towards mainland Europe eventually reaching the Belgian coast.
They would take refuge in the town of Geel where she would build a hospice for the poor and sick. In the end, king Damon would find Dymphna and order the execution of Gerebernus. Afterwards he tried to force his daughter back to Ireland but when she refused he drew his sword and cut off her head. In 1349 a church was built to honour her which then would serve as a place where pilgrims would pray to be cured of their mental disorders.
Dimphna's influence on modern Geel
Due to princess Dimphna and the influx of pilgrims seeking treatment. Geel became a city known for it's caring and compassionate nature and has become known for it's pioneering role in mental health treatment. They did not just lock the mentally challenged in institutions but let them stay with host families and function in normal day to day life in a caring environment. She is now honoured as a saint of healing, courage and faith.
