Saint Brigid of Ireland, who lived from 452 to 525, is believed to have been born in Faughart near Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. Her life is intertwined with the legacy of St. Patrick, who baptized her parents. Brigid’s father, Dubhthach, was a chieftain in Leinster, and her mother, Brocca, a slave in his court. From a young age, Brigid showed a deep inclination towards religious life.
She received the veil in her youth from St. Macaille at Croghan, and it is thought that St. Mel of Armagh was the one to profess her and possibly grant her abbatial authority. Brigid initially settled with seven companions near Croghan Hill, and around 468, she followed St. Mel to Meath. A significant milestone in her life was the establishment of a double monastery at Cill-Dara (now Kildare) around 470, where she served as the Abbess. This institution emerged as a significant hub for education and spirituality, eventually leading to the formation of the Cathedral city of Kildare.
Under her guidance, a school of art flourished in Kildare, renowned for its illuminated manuscripts, including the celebrated but now-lost Book of Kildare. Brigid’s life, though adorned with many legendary and miraculous tales, undeniably reflects her profound spirituality, exceptional charity, and deep compassion for the suffering.
Saint Brigid passed away in Kildare on February 1. Revered as the “Mary of the Gael,” she is interred at Downpatrick alongside St. Columba and St. Patrick, co-patrons of Ireland. Also known as Bridget and Bride, she is celebrated on her feast day, February 1st, honoring her as one of Ireland’s most remarkable and influential figures.
Photo credit: Nheyob via Wikimedia Commons
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Prayer to Saint Brigid
Saint 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 reverence all 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
Gene, thank you for that prayer.
You’re very welcome John!
God Bless Brigid and may she pray to our Lord to bless us!
Saint Brigid of Ireland, pray for us!
St. Brigid of Ireland, pray for us.
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 reverence all 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.
St. Brigid pray for the Church.
Saint John the Baptist, Don Bosco, Brigid, pray for us.
All holy men and women, martyrs, saints, angels, pray for us.
Holy Family of Nazareth, restore matrimony and family life.
Help us to make reparation for offences against the most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. That the BVM removes scales of deception from the eyes of those enslaved by evil. Amen.
Ecce Crucem Domini!
Fugite partes adversae!
Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
Radix David! Alleluia!
Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us. For Italy.
Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us. For Rome.
Blood of Christ Crucified, cleanse the Vatican.
Saint Brigid of Ireland, I ask your powerful intercession in the cause for the canonisation of Derry nun, Sister Clare Crockett, so that more people know her and encounter the beaming joy of loving Jesus through her splendor in smile and song. I humbly ask for your miraculous favour, that you could graciously extend a prayer on my behalf, a recommendation in my weakness and limitation, for Sister Clare to accompany me the rest of my life, and help me through her holy friendship, that together we may persevere in prayer to Jesus, Mother Mary, and Saint Joseph, for undivided hearts in the world to serve the Kingdom. I am one in dire need of a meek and humble heart to wash Our Lord’s feet in my neighbour. Thank you, beautiful Lady Bridge(t) for your compassionate assistance. Amen.
Saint Brigid, please intercede for me amen