The Feast Day of Saint Brigid - February 1st!
13th Feb 2017
St. Brigid was born in 451AD and died in 525AD. Her feast day is the same as her death date, February 1st. Her name happens to also be the same as a Celtic goddess who was the patron of healing, poetry, and smithcraft. St Brigid is a patron of "Ireland, dairymaids, cattle, midwives, Irish nuns, and newborn babies." Born into slavery, Brigid began charitable acts once she was returned to living with her father. The Christian King convinced her father to free her, since she had such a Godly heart. One story of her connection with God is when she supposedly gave away the entirety of her mother’s store of butter, which was refilled after she prayed. “Another tale says that when Saint Patrick heard her final vows, he accidentally used the form for ordaining priests. When the error was brought to his attention, he simply replied, ‘So be it, my son, she is destined for great things’” (Catholic.org). Check out this University of North Carolina's article about St. Brigid's Cross for information!
Not much is known about St. Brigid after she joined the Church, but we do know that she founded Church of the Oak in Kildare. This monastery was built under a large oak tree and above a shrine to the pagan, Celtic goddess, Brigid. Apparently, St. Brigid was good friends with Saint Patrick. St. Brigid was a woman who was born a slave, lived charitably, love her fellow man, and spread God’s love to those around her. Here is St. Brigid’s Hearth Keeper Prayer, courtesy of Saintbrigids.org:
Brigid
of the Mantle, encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs, protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.
Beneath your mantle, gather us,
And restore us to memory.
Mothers of our mother, Foremothers strong.
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how to kindle the hearth.
To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.
Your hands upon ours, Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light, Both day and night.
The Mantle of Brigid about us,
The Memory of Brigid within us,
The Protection of Brigid keeping us
From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.
This day and night,
From dawn till dark, From dark till dawn.
Check out our St. Brigid’s products in the store, or on our website!