St. Brigid of Ireland
Saint Brigid of Ireland
When They Lived:
St. Brigid of Ireland, also known as St. Brigid of Kildare, is believed to have been born in the year 451 or 452, and she passed away on February 1, 525. Her life spanned the early medieval period in Ireland.
Where They Lived:
St. Brigid lived primarily in Ireland, with her birthplace believed to be near Faughart, County Louth. She later founded a monastery in Kildare, a town in County Kildare, Ireland. Kildare became a significant spiritual and cultural center during her time.
Notable World Events during Their Time:
- Fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 CE): St. Brigid lived in a time when the Western Roman Empire fell, leading to significant political and social changes across Europe.
- Life of St. Patrick (c. 385–461 CE): St. Brigid’s life partially overlapped with that of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Both saints contributed to the spread of Christianity in Ireland and left a lasting impact on Irish culture.
- Birth of the Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE): The Gupta Empire, a powerful and influential ancient Indian civilization, was flourishing during Brigid’s lifetime, making significant advancements in science, mathematics, and the arts.
- Justinian’s Reign and the Byzantine Empire (527–565 CE): During St. Brigid’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I was in power. His reign saw significant legal reforms and the construction of iconic structures like the Hagia Sophia.
- Celtic Monastic Movement: The time of St. Brigid saw the development of the Celtic monastic movement, which focused on spiritual growth, learning, and the preservation of knowledge. St. Brigid’s monastery in Kildare was a part of this movement.
Their Patronage:
St. Brigid is the patron saint of various aspects of life, making her a beloved figure in Irish culture and beyond. She is a patron saint of:
- Ireland: St. Brigid is one of the patron saints of Ireland, along with St. Patrick and St. Columba.
- Children: She is often invoked to protect and bless children.
- Farmers and Livestock: St. Brigid is associated with agriculture, particularly dairy farming, and is invoked for blessings on crops and animals.
- Scholars and Artists: Given her connection to the monastic movement and the preservation of knowledge, she is considered a patron of scholars, poets, and artists.
Early Life
Saint Brigid of Ireland, also known as Brigid of Kildare, was a miraculous child. From a very tender age, history records her devout love for God and the incredible powers that she exhibited.
When Saint Brigit was born, she was named Brigit, a name originating in the Celtic tradition.
Saint Brigid of Ireland was said to have been born around 451 A.D. in the 5th Century. She was born in Faughart, County Louth, Ireland. Her mother was said to be a slave named Brocca, and her father was a nobleman named Dubhthach.
When Dubhthach’s wife found out that Brocca was carrying her husband’s child, she sold the unnamed slave to a druid.
Brigid was born out of wedlock and into slavery. As a child, she was weaned by a cow as she rejected the food given to her by the Druid.
Brocca, being a Christian, trained her daughter in the way of the Lord. Saint Brigid was very devoted to religion, even at a young age, and showed passionate affection to the needy.
She was a very generous child. Some parts of history record Saint Brigid giving out food, including her mother’s butter, to the poor. The little girl gave out the entire barrel of butter, but miraculously, the barrels were filled back up.
Saint Brigid was generous to a fault, a trait that did her so much good but also got her in a lot of trouble.
As a child, Saint Brigid was said to have performed miracles through prayer. Some parts of tradition record her ability to heal the sick.
By the age of ten, Her Druid master had gotten fed up with her generosity with his properties and had her returned to her master, who also happened to be her father, Dubhthach.
Dedication and Devotion
Saint Brigid was returned to the Dubhthach while her mother stayed with the Druid. However, her generosity didn’t end. She continued to give food and clothes to the poor.
Eventually, Dubhthach got tired of her charity work and angrily took her to the King of Leinster at that time to marry her, or, in some accounts, sell her off.
Some accounts state that while the bargain was being made, Saint Brigid gave the King’s sword to a hungry beggar to barter for food.
The King was so impressed by her kindness that he ordered Dubhthach to let her out of slavery.
Saint Brigid was released. Some say she returned to her mother; thereafter, the Druid tried to marry her off. She vehemently declined and said she had chosen a life of Chastity.
It is said that she was put out for marriage so many times that she feared for her chastity. She then prayed to God to make her ugly in the eyes of men so she wouldn’t be asked for marriage.
Surprisingly, her prayer was answered. She became ugly until her acceptance in an abbey.
Regardless of the accounts, Saint Brigid was said to have received the veil of chastity from the Church. She made a vow of piety, chastity, and poverty for the rest of her life. She spent her time preaching and praying.
Legacy
Some years later, Saint Brigid was given abbatial authority.
In 480 A.D., Brigid established a monastery at Kildare. She named this monastery the ‘Church of Oak’ and had it built above a pagan shrine that belonged to a Celtic goddess called Brigid. It was also said to have been located underneath a large oak tree, probably where the name originated.
She employed the help of seven other women and created a community for chaste women. She was said to have built two more monasteries, one for men and one for women.
Saint Brigit implored a hermit called Conláed to be a spiritual guide. The monasteries grew in size and popularity.
Saint Brigid of Ireland also established a school of art, which included courses on metalwork and illumination.
Saint Brigid spent the rest of her life planting churches and winning souls through her teachings. She has been associated with many miracles, including healing a nun called Dara of blindness.
Death and Canonization
Saint Brigid of Ireland received her blessing of the last rites from Saint Ninnidh of the Pure Hand. She passed away on the 1st of February in her monastery in Kildare.
Saint Brigid died in the year 525 A.D. She was buried on the right-hand side of the church altar. This spot became a popular place for pilgrimages.
She was succeeded by her favorite, Darlugdach.
Circa 878, Saint Brigid’s remains were transferred to the tomb where Patrick and Columba were located. They were finally taken to the Down Cathedral in 1185, where they supposedly lie till today.
Some accounts, however, note that her head was moved to a Jesuit Church in Lisbon.
Saint Brigid became very popular in literature. She was very respected by Ireland, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Roman Catholic Church.
Saint Brigid was canonized Pre-Congregation. She is celebrated on the first day of February.
5 Interesting Facts About Saint Brigid of Ireland
- Did you know that Saint Brigid is known to some as the Mary of
Ireland? - Did you know that Saint Brigid is said to have changed a barrel of
water to beer? As if this wasn’t enough, she shared this barrel.
amongst 18 churches. - Did you know that Saint Brigid is the patron saint of babies,
blacksmiths, diary maids, printers, nuns, and Ireland? - Did you know that some records consider Saint Brigid of Ireland to
be the only female Bishop to exist. - Did you know that Saint Brigid is said to be affiliated with the
a Celtic goddess named Brigid?
Prayer to Saint Brigid of Ireland
Brigid, You were a woman of peace. You brought harmony where there was conflict. You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious,and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world. Inspire us to act justly and to revere all that God has made. Brigid, you were a voice for the wounded and the weary. Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. Amen.
Source:[https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.catholicfaithstore.com/daily-bread/prayers-saint-brigid/amp/]{.ul}
