St. Brigid’s day falls on the first of February. In Irish it is called Lá Fhéile Bríde. It occurs at the beginning of Spring a time of hope, when Nature is reawakening, lambs are born, green shoots appear from the earth and buds appear on the trees. The promise of growth, renewal and regrowth is everywhere. St. Brigid is the patron saint of Kildare as is St. Conleth. We have always celebrated the day as have other areas in Ireland, England and further afield. In 2023 it became a National Holiday.
There are many traditions associated with St. Brigid, such as St. Brigid’s Cross and Scat Bride. There are many stories associated with her, which are easy to find if you type in St. Brigid in your search engine. However, I’m going to share a St. Brigid’s prayer with you.
“Oh Brigid, Mary of the Gael,
May your protection never fail.
Spread your mantle over me
where ‘ere I am, where ‘ere I be.
Cover me with God’s joy and peace;
let my hope and faith never cease.
Shine your light where there is darkness;
strengthen me in any weakness.
Heal all within that may be ill;
give me the desire each day to do God’s will
till I rest, my journey o’er,
with God and you forever more.
She was a woman ahead of her time and even more so a woman of our time.
Edel Mulligan
(Lay Member)