"God is disgusted by the fall and ruin of his holy Church ... drops of burning and smoking sulfur are dripping from the roof; the walls are as revolting to look at as pus mingled with rotting blood." These are startling words, and they are from one of the many revelations received by St Bridget (or "Birgitta") of Sweden (1303-1373): wife, mother of eight, widow, social and Church reformer, mystic, and foundress of the Order of the Most Holy Savior, also known as the Brigittine Order. The world has witnessed in recent years a rapidly growing interest in St Bridget among Catholics as well as Protestants, and even non-Christians, scholars and the general population alike. Pope John Paul II declared St Bridget Co-Patroness of Europe (1 Oct 1999) and called her a Model for Today's Woman (3 Oct 2002), seeing in her life and in her writings a powerful witness to the Gospel, an "icon" as it were, reflecting the beauty, goodness and loving mercy of God - as well as his justice - to our modern world in great need, like the Prodigal Son, of coming to its senses and returning to its Father. St Bridget is best known for the Revelations, the divinely inspired messages she received from God the Father, Jesus, the Virgin Mary and numerous saints over a period of almost 30 years. Although the Revelations consist of twelve books and hundreds of pages and treat of a wide variety of subjects, including visions and messages Bridget received regarding the infancy, life and sufferings of Christ which are not found in the gospels, there can also be found throughout the work messages which are of utmost pertinence for today, showing the "actuality" of St Bridget for the Church and for the world in our times. This collection of Books 1-5 of the Revelations is large, 8"x10" and 418 pages and contains most of the important revelations given to the saint, and it is priced low for wide distribution of these timeless messages pertinent to our times as much as or even more so than St Bridget's. See also my book, "The Revelations of St Bridget and Church Reform."

This was the massive, simplified structure which had been built on Birgitta's orders, using the foundations and the walls of the castle given to her by King Magnus.

St. Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373, canonized 1391) was one of the most charismatic and influential female visionaries of the later Middle Ages. Altogether, she received some 700 revelations, dealing with subjects ranging from meditations on the human condition, domestic affairs in Sweden, and ecclesiastical matters in Rome, to revelations in praise of the Incarnation and devotion to the Virgin. Her Revelations, collected and ordered by her confessors, circulated widely throughout Europe and long after her death. Many eminent individuals, including Cardinal Juan Torquemada, Jean Gerson, and Martin Luther, read and commented on her writings, which influenced the spiritual lives of countless individuals. Birgitta was also the founder of a new monastic order, which still exists today. She is the patron saint of Sweden, and in 2000 was declared (with Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein) co-patroness of Europe. Birgitta's Revelations present her as a commanding and dauntless visionary who develops a contemplative mysticism that is always interwoven with social engagement and a commitment to the salvation of the world. The varied styles of her revelations are dominated by frequent juxtapositions of memorable images and allegories that illustrate her fierce and fertile imagination, her sharp powers of observation and understanding, and her passionate and receptive storytelling powers. This fourth and final volume of the translation of the Revelations of St. Birgitta of Sweden, comprises The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings, The Rule, and Minor Works. While the complete collection of Birgitta's books--called Liber caelestis--ends with Books VII, the eighth book, also referred to as The Heavenly Emperor's Book to Kings, was added after her death. It was compiled by Alfonso of Jaén, and is prefaced by his own treatise, titled The Hermit's Letter to Kings, which examines the ways in which revelations are tested and proven to be true visions conferred by the Holy Spirit. This volume also contains the Birgittine Rule, the Matins readings intended for the nuns, four prayers, and a collection of scattered revelations that lie on the periphery of the main corpus of texts. The translation is based on the recently completed critical edition of the Latin text and promises to be the standard English translation of the Revelations for years to come.

First published in 1992.

St. Birgitta of Sweden was one of the most charismatic and influential female visionaries of the later Middle Ages. Her revelations influenced the spiritual lives of many individuals including Martin Luther. Interest in Birgitta has grown recently and she is now admired as a powerful voice and prophet of reform.

Ten scholars offer a comprehensive introduction to one of the most celebrated visionaries of the Middle Ages. The essays focus on Birgitta as an author, the reception of her writings, and the history of her religious order.

St. Birgitta of Sweden was one of the most charismatic and influential female visionaries of the later Middle Ages. Her revelations influenced the spiritual lives of many individuals including Martin Luther. Interest in Birgitta has grown recently and she is now admired as a powerful voice and prophet of reform.