St. Dymphna was born in Ireland in the 7th century. Her father was a pagan king and her mother was a Christian who raised her to love Christ. However, her mother died when she was still very young, and her father was so sad that he started to lose his mind. He became very angry and Dymphna was worried about her safety so she sought the help of her priest, who helped to keep her safe. Eventually, she was found and killed, earning her a martyr’s crown. Because she endured until the end in purity and bravely faced her father, who was consumed with insanity and grief, she is called “The Lily of Eire '' and is the patron saint of mental illness. Just as Christ listens to our prayers, St. Dymphna gives a loving ear to each of our prayers, and asks God to give us the strength we need in the midst of sadness or confusion. 

She is commemorated on May 15th (NC) / 28th (OC).

You can also find a Cannon to St. Dymphna in Times of Mental Illness or Distress HERE

These dolls are approximately 9-10” tall (larger size) and the smaller ones are approximately 6” tall, made with organic cotton fabric and fluffy stuffing. This is a simple sewing project for a beginner, or a quick project for someone comfortable with sewing machine basics. The smaller doll is a perfect size to be a Christmas ornament if desired, and instructions to make it an ornament are included.

Options available are:

-A limited number of FINISHED large dolls are available. These are all sewn with care by Orthodox women in the US.

-Fabric only. With this option you will receive the printed fabric to make one 10” or 6” doll, along with instructions. Just FYI— you will need 3 oz of stuffing to stuff a large doll and 1 oz to stuff a small doll.

-Doll kit. With this option you will receive the fabric, instructions, plus the right amount of stuffing for one doll, and a needle and thread. Everything you need to make the doll (except scissors!).

This design is a Draw Near Designs exclusive.