The Feast of St. Brigid

This image of St. Brigid was designed by the artist Gail Donovan for the headlights of Kildare College Chapel, Holden Hill, South Australia. St. Brigid is depicted as a young woman, actively carrying the light of Christ to others. She dances the dance of the new life of creation. The symbols of fire and water are central to the legends of the sixth century woman whose Feast is February 1st. This day symbolises the first day of Spring.

St. Brigid was born in AD 450 in Faughart, near Dundalk in Co. Louth. She lived during the time of St. Patrick and was inspired by his preachings and she became a Christian. When Brigid turned eighteen, she stopped working for her father. Brigid's father wanted her to find a husband but Brigid had decided that she would spend her life working for God by looking after poor, sick and elderly people. Legend says that she prayed that her beauty would be taken away from her so no one would seek her hand in marriage; her prayer was granted.

 Brigid finally got her wish and entered the convent. She received her veil from St. Macaille and made her vows to dedicate her life to God. She founded many convents all over Ireland; the most famous one was in Co. Kildare. It is said that this convent was built beside an oak tree where the town of Kildare now stands. Around 470 she also founded a double monastery, for nuns and monks, in Kildare. As Abbess of this foundation she wielded considerable power, but was a very wise and prudent superior. The Abbey of Kildare became one of the most prestigious monasteries in Ireland, and was famous throughout Europe.