Saint Dymphna’s story is illustrated with a modern drama. She was a young Christian who consecrated herself to Christ and chastity. Shortly after this her mother died and her pagan father began to suffer from mental illness. He sought a new wife and came to desire to marry his daughter, who fled to Belgium with her confessor and trusted servants. She built a hospital for the poor and sick, but her father tracked her down, and when she resisted his attempt to bring her home, he struck off her head. Her feast is May 15.