A new book about the Swedish saint, Birgitta, investigates how Birgitta went about establishing her power and authority

Power and Sainthood
by Päivi Salmesvuori
Series: New Middle Ages
Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN-10: 1137398922
ISBN-13: 978-1137398925

ABSTRACT:

Birgitta of Sweden (1302/3-1373) was a mother, visionary, counsellor to a king, inventor of her own rule, saint, and one of the best known medieval women in history. As a wife and a mother of eight children, the Swedish noble lady Birgitta was an atypical candidate for sanctity. Yet, only 18 years after her death, in 1391, she was declared a saint by the Pope and became a role model for many late medieval mothers and widows.

Power and Sainthood investigates how Birgitta went about establishing her power and authority. Palvi Salmesvuori argues that the crucial factor was her successful performance of her sanctity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Päivi Salmesvuori is Adjunct Professor in General Church History and Gender Studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland. She has specialized in issues pertaining to gender, power, and religion. She is co-editor of the book Finnish Women Making Religion: Between Ancestors and Angels.