Dymphna[6] (also Dimpna, Dymfna, Dimfna, Dympna and Dympha, Irish also Damhnait or Davnet) is a Christian saint honoured in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.

The story of Dymphna was first recorded in the 13th century by a canon of the Church of Aubert of Avranches at Cambrai, France.

[1] The author expressly stated that his work was based upon a long-standing oral tradition as well as a persuasive history of miraculous healings of the mentally ill.[9] Dymphna's name (pronounced /ˈdɪmfnə/ DIMF-nə or /ˈdɪmpnə/ DIMP-nə) derives from the Irish damh ('poet') and suffix -nait ('little' or 'feminine'), therefore meaning 'poetess'.

[9] One tradition states that once settled in Geel, Dymphna built a hospice for the poor and sick of the region.

Damon ordered his soldiers to kill Gerebernus and tried to force Dymphna to return with him to Ireland, but she resisted.

By 1480, so many pilgrims were coming from all over Europe, seeking treatment for psychiatric disorders that the church housing for them was expanded.

Thus began a tradition for the ongoing care of those with psychiatric conditions that has endured for over 500 years and is still studied and admired today.

[14][15] The remains of Dymphna were later put into a silver reliquary and placed in a church in Geel named in her honour.

She is traditionally portrayed wearing a crown, dressed in ermine and royal robes, and holding a sword.

[5] The US National Shrine of St. Dymphna is located inside St. Mary's Catholic Church in Massillon, Ohio.

St. Dymphna's Special School is located in Ballina, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland and operates under the patronage of Western Care Association.