I invited a Mayo friend and neighbor Terence Flanagan from Coillte Mach to give us a lesson on the art of weaving. She is the patroness of dairy farmers, Irish nuns, newborn babies, midwives, and cattle. Each has their own magical purpose, rosemary and sage, for example, brought their powers of purification and cleansing, so ritually important at this time of new beginnings. You brought light to the darkness. St Brigid’s Prayer You were a woman of peace. St Brigid’s feast day falls on February 1, which was originally a pagan festival called Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring. The General Roman Calendar does not have a saint for February 1st, but in Ireland this is the Feast of St. Brigid, the patroness of Ireland (also referred to as Brigit, Bridget, Brighid, or Bride). Job 30:25 Did I not feel for those whose day was hard? You, Lord, raised up Brigid to make known your name. Weaving a St. Brigid’s cross on the eve of St. Brigid’s Day is an old Irish tradition. You brought harmony where […] Bless the doors that they may prove Ever open to joy and love. 22. St Brigid of Ireland, also known as St Brigid of Kildare, was born on 453 AD and died aged 70. February 1st is the Feast Day of St Brigid of Ireland. 23. St. Bridget (or Brigid, or Bride) is the female patron saint of Ireland. In his message, the President recalls the origins of St. Brigid’s Feast Day, highlighting the influence that St. Brigid has had on Irish society, and noting that her examples as a strong female voice in a male dominated world can inspire us also in present times. Through your resurrection, Lord Jesus, new light came … On St. Brigid’s Feast Day,1 February, we invoke St Brigid, also known as Mary of the Irish or Muire na nGael. 26. St. Brigid’s Feast is therefore associated with fire. St. Brigid’s Blessing. Her life was marked by miracles from an early age which impressed the king of Leinster, who granted her her freedom. St. Brigid was born daughter to a chieftain and a slave woman, and brought up by a druid. Symbols in the church are very visual and positive, both for those watching Mass on the webcam and or those visiting the church. Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out. Today, Saint Brigid's skull can be found in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Lumiar, Portugal. Saint Brigit of Kildare – her Feast Day is February 1 * * * * * * Bless this house, o Lord, we pray Make it safe by night and day. The Eve and Feast of St. Brigid . St Brigid of Kildare or Brigid of Ireland (c. 451-525) is one of Ireland’s patron saints along with Saints Patrick and Colm Cille. The tomb in which it is kept bears the inscription, "Here in these three tombs lie the three Irish knights who brought the head of St. Brigid, Virgin, a native of Ireland, whose relic is preserved in this chapel. St. Brigid was believed to be a healer and teacher of ‘herbcraft” so many plants and flowers sacred to her and the sun ( such as sage, heather, chamomile, violets, rosemary) have become part of the Imbolc Feast. On the day following Candlemas, is the Feast of St. Blaise, most notably recalled with its blessing of the throats with two crossed candles. Bless every fireside, every wall and door. White figure of peace, through the country she went, It marked the beginning of the new farm year. 2. You brought hope to the downcast. You brought harmony where there was conflict. The cross was often hung at the entrance to a home and was said to ward off evil energies. St Brigid's Day itself was a day for visiting holy wells devoted to the saint. After a long dark winter, St Brigid’s Day celebrates the arrival of longer, warmer days and the early signs of spring. 24. She is believed to have been an Irish Christian nun, abbess, and founder of several convents. The story of her cross originated when St. Brigid was teaching a dying pagan chieftain about Christianity . You can find tons of St. Brigid feast day resources here, but today I want to share St. Brigid’s Cross poem with you, and even offer you a free printable! Although this feast day is not on the liturgical calendar in the United States, it is of particular local importance. President Michael D. Higgins has issued a special message to mark Lá Fhéile Bríde / St. Brigid’s Day. Brigid of Kildare was born around 450 into a Druid family, being the daughter of Dubhthach, court poet to King Loeghaire. She was born in 443 B.C. Includes recipes, lore, instructions on making a St. Brigid's Cross, and much more. ``Where the Bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be; even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church'' Ignatius of Antioch, 1st c. A.D. Pure Beeswax Candles. 25. Saint Brigid's Well, just outside Kildare Town proper, is one of the lesser-known attractions connected to the Irish saints - even visitors to the nearby Irish National Stud seldom spare a second thought, let alone take the short excursion. Spring begins much earlier in Ireland than it does in America. St. Blaise Keeps the Candlelight Theme Going. In Christian teachings, Brigid was an Irish nun, abbess, and founder of several convents, who is venerated as a saint. The eve of her feast day each year, it is tradition to fashion a St Brigid’s Cross of straw or rushes and place it inside the house over the door to give protection against fire, hunger and evil to those within. A popular way to celebrate St. Brigid’s feast day is by making a St. Brigid cross . Gerry will display a St. Brigid’s Cross.