This past Friday, February 1st, marked the Feast day of Saint Brigid of Kildare, the patron saint of our Parish. Saint Brigid is especially known for her Christian charity, for feeding 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.
Saint Brigid is also known for her great work in evangelization, working tirelessly to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was an Irish Christian nun and abbess and founded many convents. The publication, “Catholic News Agency” (CNA) stated, “St. Brigid directly influenced several other future saints of Ireland, and her many religious communities helped to secure the country’s conversion from paganism to the Catholic faith.” Under her leadership, “Kildare played a major role in the successful Christianization of Ireland. The abbess’ influence was felt in the subsequent era of the Irish Church, a time when the country became known for its many monasteries and their intellectual achievements.” CNA also indicated that St. Brigid “…with an initial group of seven companions, is credited with organizing communal consecrated religious life for women in Ireland.” 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.
Saint Brigid was also a firm supporter of Catholic education, believing that the more we understood our faith, the more likely we would strive to truly live our faith. She founded many schools and taught the faith by word and example. She is recognized as the patron saint of students.
Saint Brigid truly embraced a life of prayer and service. The following prayer asks for her intercession:
ASK FOR US ALL TODAY THE COURAGE TO DO GOD’S BIDDING
WHATEVER THE WORLD MAY SAY,
THE GRACE TO BE STRONG AND VALIENT
THE GRACE TO BE FIRM AND TRUE
THE GRACE TO BE FAITHFUL ALWAYS
TO GOD, GOD’S MOTHER AND YOU.
AMEN.
We are encouraged to learn more about Saint Brigid. She can serve as a great role model for us.
Saint Brigid, intercede for us.
Saint Brigid, pray for us.