Saint Catherine of Sweden

Swedish saint

Also known as: Katarina Ulfsdotter, Sankta Katarina

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Quick Facts

Swedish:: Sankta Katarina

Original name:: Katarina Ulfsdotter

Born:: 1331/32, Sweden

Died:: March 24, 1381, Vadstena

Saint Catherine of Sweden (born 1331/32, Sweden—died March 24, 1381, Vadstena; feast day March 24) was the daughter of St. Bridget of Sweden, whom she succeeded as superior of the Brigittines.

Catherine was married to Egard Lydersson von Kyren, who died shortly after she left for Rome (1350) to join Bridget as her constant companion. She did not return to Sweden until after Bridget’s death in 1373. She took part in the ecclesiastical controversies of her time, supported Pope Urban VI against the antipope Clement VII, and promoted the canonization of Bridget. She was abbess of Vadstena when she died. She was never formally canonized but is listed in the Roman martyrology.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.