A German Carmelite of Jewish origin, a Swedish mystic, and a young woman who renewed the papacy with the moral authority derived from the strength of her interior life, have become the three patrons of Europe. John Paul II made this announcement during the Mass for the opening of the special assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Europe.

Beginning 1 October 1999, Europe not only has male patron saints, but also three holy women: Edith Stein, Catherine of Sienna, and Bridget of Sweden. The Pope said he is making this proclamation "to emphasize the important role that women have had and have in the ecclesial and civil history of the continent down to our days." These holy women are examples and intercessors along with Saint Benedict, Saint Cyril, and Saint Methodius.

The Pontiff chose them because they are "connected in a special way with the Continent's history". Edith Stein, a Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism and died in Auschwitz, "is a symbol of the dramas in Europe in our time." Bridget of Sweden and Catherine of Sienna worked tirelessly for the Church in the 14th century.

Bridget, founder of a religious Congregation when she was widowed, "traveled through Europe from north to south, working tirelessly for the unity of Christians," the Pope said. She died in Rome.

Catherine, "humble and dauntless Dominican tertiary, who brought peace to her native Sienna, to Italy, and to 14th century Europe, spent all her energies for the Church, being able to achieve the Pope's return from Avignon to Rome.

"European Christians and ecclesial communities of all confessions, as well as European citizens and Nations, genuinely committed to the quest for truth and the common good," will be able to be inspired in this third millennium that will soon begin, with the example of these three women who "admirably express the synthesis between contemplation and action."