This Sunday, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Brigid, the patron saint of our Parish. She joins Saint Patrick as one of Ireland’s patron saints. Saint Brigid lived in the fifth century and was a contemporary of Saint Patrick, but there is no real evidence that they ever met. She was an Irish Christian nun who worked tirelessly to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Saint Brigid travelled widely throughout Ireland, founding many convents and fostering vocation awareness. She organized communal consecrated religious life for the women of Ireland. Her focus on communal prayer and work attracted many followers. Many would travel long distances to seek her spiritual advice and counsel, and were led to the faith through her words and example. She played a major role in making Ireland a Christian nation.
Catholic education was a great priority for her. She strived to see that the Catholic faith was taught clearly and thoroughly. Saint Brigid 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 known for her Christian charity 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 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:
“I would like the angels of Heaven to be among us.
I would like an abundance of peace.
I would like full vessels of charity.
I would like treasures of mercy.
I would like cheerfulness to preside over all.
I would like Jesus to be present.
I would like the friends of heaven to be gathered around us from all parts.
I would like myself to be a rent payer to the Lord; that I would suffer distress, that he would bestow a good blessing upon me.”
As we reflect on this prayer, please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of this great saint. Saint Brigid, intercede for us. Saint Brigid, pray for us.