St. Brigid

     Saint Brigid of Ireland ( also known as Saint Brigid of Kildare) was an early Christian nun in Ireland and then Abbess over several monasteries. She is one of Ireland's most beloved Saints, as also St Patrick and Saint Columba. 

     Brigid was born around 451 AD, as Bridgit, the name of a pre-christian goddess in Celtic lore. She was born to a Christian slave named Brocca, whom St Patrick baptized, and a Leinster Chieftain father named Dubthach. Dubthach's wife was not pleased that Brocca was pregnant and had her sold to a Druid.

     As a young girl, Brigid was gifted with miraculous cures, especially for the poor and the needy. Because she was born a slave, when Brigid turned 10, she returned to her father's home as a daughter and a servant. Her father was still in mean and vengeful wits and tried selling her to the King of Leister. Brigid demonstrated her charity to the King who made Dubthach free her from her slavery, recognizing her Christian faith and generosity. Her father later tried to set her up for marriage, but Brigid had made a vow of Chastity and steadfastly refused marriage. 

     Brigid was good friends of Saint Patrick. It is written that "between St Patrick and Saint Brigid, the pillars of the Irish people, there was so great a friendship of Charity, that they had but one mind and one heart. Through them both, Christ performed many great miracles. 

     Say Brigid died on February 1st, 525. 

     Remember this great Saint in your intercessory prayers for children whose parents are not married, children with abusive fathers, infants, travelers and just about anything or anyone you want to pray for! 

     Saint Brigid, pray for us!