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Birgitta Birgersdotter – the woman behind the saint
Produced by SMM
27/4 – 30/12 2003
This exhibition was about Birgitta Birgersdotter, not about Birgitta the saint. Part of the exhibition dealt with the world of her time, both fourteenth century Sweden and the situation in the Europeof her day. A turbulent period like the fourteenth century must have left its mark on Birgitta, just as did her privileged upbringing. She had eight children and for much of her life lived as manager of the household at Ulfåsa. She was, besides, a royal ”mentor” and had great influence over the young King Magnus and his wife, Queen Blanche. In Birgitta’äs family were many chief judges and she involved herself in politics, both at home and on the Continent. She had a generous heart and worked actively for the sick and poor.
In 1349 Birgitta set off for Rome, where she remained for the rest of her life. She made pilgrimages to different holy places, she wrote almost 700 revelations and she laid the foundation for the future abbey of Vadstena.
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