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DNA tests to resolve dispute over St Birgitta`s burial place
Stockholm, Nov 06: Scientists have opened a shrine believed to contain the remains of Sweden`s only saint and removed bone samples for DNA tests.
Stockholm, Nov 06: Scientists have opened a shrine believed to contain the remains of Sweden`s only saint and removed bone samples for DNA tests.
The tests could settle conflicting claims about where the real St Birgitta is buried, lead researcher Marie Allen said.
The shrine containing the skull and bones of the 14th century saint and founder of the Birgittine Order was established at Vadstena Abbey Church, 200 kilometers South-West of the capital, Stockholm, in 1374. Pope John Paul
II made her one of three female patron saints of Europe in 1999.
Since then the remains of 10 to 15 people, including Birgitta`s daughter, Katarina, have been added and some remains have been removed, Allen said. She said a monastery in Uden, the Netherlands, claims it received Birgitta`s skull after it was removed from Vadstena in the 17th century.
But initial assessments yesterday seemed to indicate the two skulls inside the Vadstena shrine matched the ages of Birgitta and Katarina, Allen said.
Birgitta, who became famous in Europe for her visions of Christ and the Virgin Mary, died in Rome and was canonised in 1391.
Churches and museums will celebrate the 700th anniversary of her birth next year in exhibitions throughout the largely Lutheran Scandinavian nation of 8.9 million people.
The DNA tests, which Allen said could take up to six months, were suggested by the Vicar of the Vadstena Church after similar tests were started earlier this year on skeletal remains in a grave believed to contain the founder of Stockholm, Birger Jarl.
Since then the remains of 10 to 15 people, including Birgitta`s daughter, Katarina, have been added and some remains have been removed, Allen said. She said a monastery in Uden, the Netherlands, claims it received Birgitta`s skull after it was removed from Vadstena in the 17th century.
But initial assessments yesterday seemed to indicate the two skulls inside the Vadstena shrine matched the ages of Birgitta and Katarina, Allen said.
Birgitta, who became famous in Europe for her visions of Christ and the Virgin Mary, died in Rome and was canonised in 1391.
Churches and museums will celebrate the 700th anniversary of her birth next year in exhibitions throughout the largely Lutheran Scandinavian nation of 8.9 million people.
The DNA tests, which Allen said could take up to six months, were suggested by the Vicar of the Vadstena Church after similar tests were started earlier this year on skeletal remains in a grave believed to contain the founder of Stockholm, Birger Jarl.
Bureau Report