This weekend, on February 1st, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Brigid, the patron saint of our Parish. She joins Saint Patrick as one of the patron saints of Ireland. Saint Brigid lived in the fifth century and was a contemporary of Saint Patrick, but there is no real evidence they ever met. She was an Irish Christian nun and focused on the need for vocation awareness. She was the founder of many convents, and her first convent was started in the year 468 with seven nuns. She is also known for her great work in evangelization, working tirelessly to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Catholic education also was a great priority for her. She strived to see that the Catholic faith was taught clearly and thoroughly. She founded several schools and is regarded as the patron saint of students. This is very appropriate at this time since we are completing Catholic Schools Week.

Saint Brigid is especially known for her Christian charity, her healing and feeding of the poor and is celebrated for her generosity to those in need. It was said that she could not bear to see anyone cold or hungry since she truly believed that Christ dwelt in every person. She strived to work with the less fortunate with love and compassion. Her love of God and love of neighbor were obvious to all who knew her.

 

She is also known for her extraordinary spirituality. She acknowledged the presence of God in her life through daily prayer, and the following is an excerpt taken from a prayer attributed to her:

 

Please join us in celebrating the life of this great saint. Through her words and example, she can serve as a wonderful model for us.

Saint Brigid, intercede for us.
Saint Brigid, pray for us.