ABSTRACT
In this chapter it is studied how the written legacies of saints Birgitta and Catherine were received by and used in contemporary preaching. One recurring difference is that the priest brothers at Vadstena, the motherhouse of Birgitta’ monastic order, use quotations from her Revelations as theological proof-texts or with the function of exempla, something which is not attested in preaching on St. Catherine. As far as the image of the saints is concerned, Catherine appears as an almost godly figure, practically identifying herself with Christ and having the capacity to save mankind. Birgitta, on the other hand, is presented as a strong, virtuous, and self-effacing widow. It is true that she constantly turned her prophetic mind towards the eternal things, but preachers seem to put more emphasis on her love and good deeds.
