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St. Brigid Bridey. Mary of Gaels. Biddy. All are nickname’s for Ireland’s female patron saint. St. Brigid has been a symbol of Christianity in the Irish faith right along side of St. Patrick. Her life was a very saintly one filled with many miracles. Brigid was born at Faughart to a pagan chieftain father, Dubthach (Duffy), and a Christian slave mother, Brocessa. Brocessa was soon sold after Brigid’s birth, and Brigid grew up in the freedom that was part of her father’s society. As a member of Dubthach’s family, Brigid was able to enjoy many privileges. Noblemen aided her and her family financially. Bridey was able to associate with many people. As a child, a nurse cared for her, but when she was old enough, she began a slave-like position of caring for her father and his family. Brigid tried to visit her mother several times, but was always refused permission by her father. So, Brigid finally left Dubthach’s home to seek her mother. She found Brocessa in Connaught. Bridey assisted her mother in her slave chores and negotiated the release of her mother as a slave. With Brocessa a free woman, Brigid returned to her father’s home. Brigid was disappointed when she returned home. While she was away, Dubthach arranged Brigid’s marriage to a poet. Poets were the highest ranked men in the kingdom at the time, and honored for their wit and wisdom. However, Brigid had taken a vow to remain a virgin and work for God. So, Brigid left her home forever. She decided to pursue a monastic life. Together seven dedicated women, including Brigid, formed the first religious community for women in Ireland. It was during this time that many miracles are reportedly attributed to Brigid. The sisters of her community, along with Bridey, fed and took care of many poor people. There were tales that the nuns never seemed to know where food and supplies would come from, but always had an adequate amount for their works. There are two very famous miracles associated with St. Brigid. First, Brigid drove around Ireland in a chariot to convert the pagans to Christianity. The miracle involves her narrow escapes from angry pagan leaders, and her conversions of many, many people. The second miracle often told about St. Brigid is that she asked a chief for land to build a monastery for her sisters. The chief said that she could have as much land as her cloak covered. When Brigid spread her cloak on the ground, it covered twelve square miles! These are just two of the many miracles attributed to St. Brigid. St. Patrick is associated with the shamrock, and St. Brigid is associated with the St. Brigid’s Cross. Brigid told the story of Christ’s life and death while weaving reeds found growing near where she was converting pagans. These reeds were woven into crosses. On St Brigid’s Day (February 1), these crosses are still woven and hung in cottages to ward off harm. Today, St. Brigid’s body is buried next to St. Patrick and St. Columcille in Downpatrick. Her life influenced Christianity in Ireland and showed the compassion, charity and courage of a Catholic faith to the people whose lives she touched. Thus, her spirit still remains in the lives of the Irish. |
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