In Sweden, as divine principles sweep through regions of strictness
The Bridgettine Monastery in Vadstena, Sweden, is home to a Catholic congregation with deep roots in both tradition and modernity. Founded by Saint Bridget of Sweden in the 14th century, the monastery has a rich history that reflects its evolution over the centuries.
Originally, religious life was forbidden in Sweden, and the Vadstena convent was designated as a nursing home for the elderly to comply with the law. However, in 1957, religious life was officially recognized, and the sisters have been living and serving there ever since. Today, the monastery is mostly composed of Swedish sisters, mirroring the trend of religious life often becoming a "second career" later in life.
The Bridgettine Order follows a unique spiritual synthesis based on the Rule of St. Augustine, the Constitutions of St. Bridget, and their modern adaptations. Their spirituality emphasizes Christ’s suffering and is lived through a Marian perspective, where daily prayers reflect Jesus' life as seen through Mary’s eyes. Each day of the week has a special theme, such as angels or the Trinity, enriching their prayer life.
Saint Bridget envisioned the collaboration of men and women in the Order; although historically monks and nuns lived separately, they shared spiritual work and worship space. This unity in diversity is symbolized architecturally in the Vadstena church, where separate choirs come together at a common altar area. The sisters also prioritize service to others as a key part of their spirituality—welcoming prayer requests, offering listening and conversation, and practical work like preparing thousands of jars of jam for distribution.
Joy is a hallmark of their spiritual life, experienced in daily tasks and community living. This is evident in the monastery's jam-making project, where the sisters find joy in their work and pack almost 4,000 jars of jam in cardboard boxes.
The community around the monastery is deeply connected to its history. The cemetery near the monastery contains football fans' figurines, reflecting the connection between sports and the community. One such footballer, Ronnie Hellström, remained in contact with the community and chose to be buried in Vadstena near the monastery. Sister Monika, a German nun living in the monastery, was inspired to join the order by young Catholics she met in Vadstena who conveyed their faith to her in a convincing and profound way.
In Sister Monika's life in the convent, she finds joy in whatever work she does, viewing it as a deep and daily commitment. Her silver jubilee was celebrated with her fellow sisters, including Ronnie Hellström, the man who had once directed her down this path. Sister Monika's decision to enter the convent was an inner evolution, inspired in part by jealousy towards another woman who had requested to be admitted to the convent.
Today, the Catholic Church in Sweden is perceived differently than in the past, with many Catholics engaged in culture and science being respected. The Bridgettine Monastery in Vadstena stands as a testament to this change, embodying a rich history linked to Sweden’s religious heritage, combined with a spirituality focused on Christ’s passion, Marian devotion, communal service, and joyful witness. The monastery is currently home to seven nuns from Sweden, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands, continuing the legacy of Saint Bridget and providing spiritual accompaniment for prisoners as part of the project "The Monastery in Prison."
[1] "The Brigidine Monastery in Vadstena, Sweden: A Second Career for Nuns." The Guardian, 2020.
[2] "The Bridgettine Order: A Spiritual Journey." Bridgettine Monastery Vadstena, 2021.
The Bridgettine Monastery in Vadstena, Sweden, with its unique spiritual journey, has a lifestyle deeply rooted in both tradition and modernity, reflecting the home-and-garden-like nurturing of faith and community. The monastery's sports connection can be seen through the football figurines in the nearby cemetery, symbolizing the community's unity and shared passions.
