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Writer's pictureFiach OBroin-Molloy

Who was Saint Brigid of Kildare?

Today, 1 February, is Saint Brigid's Day. Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk about a very special figure in Irish history and spirituality – Saint Brigid of Kildare. Known as one of the patron saints of Ireland, Saint Brigid is revered for her kindness, her wisdom, and her deep faith in God.

So, who exactly was Saint Brigid? She was born in the 5th century in County Louth, Ireland, and from a young age, she was known for her compassion and her love for others. She was said to have been a foster child, raised by a pagan chieftain who was so impressed by her kindness and wisdom that he allowed her to become a Christian. As she grew older, she became known for her miracles and her spiritual gifts, and she soon became one of the most influential figures in Ireland.

One of the things that sets Saint Brigid apart from other saints of her time is her commitment to the poor and the marginalised. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to help those in need, whether it was through feeding the hungry, healing the sick, or offering comfort and support to those who were struggling. Her kindness and her generosity made her a beloved figure throughout Ireland, and her legacy continues to inspire people to this day.

Saint Brigid is also known for her founding of the first double monastery in Ireland, which was located in Kildare. This monastery was a place where both men and women could live and worship together, and it quickly became one of the most important religious centers in Ireland. Saint Brigid served as the abbess of this monastery, and her leadership and her wisdom made her one of the most influential figures in the Irish church.


In addition to her work with the poor and her leadership at the monastery, Saint Brigid is also known for her miracles and her spiritual gifts. For example, she is said to have had the ability to multiply food, so that she could feed more people, and she is also said to have had the power to heal the sick. These miracles, along with her wisdom and her compassion, helped to solidify her reputation as a saint, and they continue to inspire people to this day.

Despite her many accomplishments, Saint Brigid's life was not without its challenges. She faced opposition from some quarters, who were skeptical of her miracles and her spiritual gifts. But she remained steadfast in her beliefs, and her influence continued to grow throughout her life.

Saint Brigid died in 525, but her legacy continued to grow after her death. In the centuries that followed, she was remembered as one of the most important saints of Ireland, and her cult soon spread throughout Europe and beyond. Today, she is revered as one of the patron saints of Ireland, and she is honoured as the patron saint of poets, scholars, and healers.

So, why is Saint Brigid still relevant today? There are several reasons. Firstly, her commitment to the poor and her love for others continue to inspire people around the world. Secondly, her founding of the first double monastery and her influence as a spiritual leader demonstrate the impact that one person can have when they are dedicated to God and to serving others. And finally, her miracles and her spiritual gifts offer a powerful example of the transformative power of faith and of the gifts that God can bestow upon us.

In conclusion, Saint Brigid of Kildare is a fascinating figure in Irish history and spirituality who continues to inspire and influence people to this day. Her kindness, her wisdom, and her deep faith in God offer a powerful example of what it means to live a life dedicated to God and to making a difference in the world. Whether you're Irish, or simply someone who is interested in history and spirituality, I highly recommend taking some time out today to reflect on her great works.



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