Feast of St Brigid

FEBRUARY 1st - FEAST OF ST. BRIGID OF IRELAND.

St. Brigid is probably the best known and most beloved Irish saint after St. Patrick. She was an Irish nun, abbess and founder of several convents. In artwork, St. Brigid is often pictured holding a cross, a burning flame and a book or manuscript. The manuscript represents her great learning and wisdom. The flame refers to the name Brigid, which means “fiery arrow” for St. Brigid was named after the pagan goddess of fire.

The cross that she holds is commonly called St. Brigid’s Cross and was first made by the saint herself from some rushes. People believed St. Brigid crossed through the land on the Eve of her feast day and gave blessings and protection to homes and farms where the crosses were hung in her honour. St. Brigid is revered for her gentleness, piety, and charity to the poor.

She died in the year 525 with the date of her death, 1st February, becoming her feast day. She is buried next to St. Patrick in Downpatrick. She is patron saint of Ireland, newborn babies, dairy workers, farmers, midwives and nuns.

PRAYER

Brigid of the Mantle, encompass us.

Lady of the Lambs, protect us.

Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.

Beneath your Mantle, gather us.

The Memory of Brigid within us.

The Mantle of Brigid about us.

The Protection of Brigid keeping us from harm this day and night. From dawn till dark. From dark till dawn.

Amen

AM