Abbey of Our Lady and St. Brigid, better known as the monastery in Vadstene, located on Lake Vättern, in the Diocese of Linköping. The monastery was founded in 1346 Saint Bridget. In 1384 the monastery was consecrated bishop of Linköping. St. Brigid died in 1381 and was canonized in 1391.

The monastery took both men and women (among the monks there were 25 men and 60 women). Over time, the abbey has become a spiritual center of the country, and was the largest tenure in Sweden. Abbey managed to hospitals and nursing homes, supported women in aristocratic circles, which had a bad reputation among the church authorities.

After the Reformation in 1527 religious communities in Sweden it was actually prohibited from taking new novices. Those monks who have been in the monasteries, were allowed to stay to take care of the property, or to leave the walls of the monastery at their own request. However, the monastery in Vadstene was released from this prohibition, and he could take the newcomers even after the Reformation, but only by special permission of the monarch.

Abbey occupies a prime location in the country because of its international reputation and close relations with the Swedish aristocracy. Many monks and nuns were from noble families, including the king's sister, Anna. The monastery also served as a burial place for many noblemen, it is not surprising that for a long time, the abbey existed by the generous donations of the nobility.

In 1555 the monastery in Vadstene became purely feminine. During the reign of King Johan III (1569-1592 biennium). Abbey has been restored and re-acquired the right to accept novices without any restrictions. But in 1594 Charles IX ordered to disband the abbey, and then came the decline of the monastery. In the 17th century, the building remained empty for over 40 years later, here was founded a home for veterans and school for children of war, and after the closure of the hospital was open.

A new convent in the ancient abbey was founded only in 1963, and in 1991 it became an autonomous abbey. Thus, the order founded by Saint Bridget, is gradually returning to the monastery of Vadstena.