1 February, Abbess, Secondary Patron of Ireland
St Brigid was born c. 454. When she was young her father wished to make a very suitable marriage for her but she insisted in consecrating her virginity to God. She received the veil and spiritual formation probably from St Mel and stayed for a period under his direction in Ardagh. Others followed her example and this led her to found a double monastery in Kildare with the assistance of Bishop Conleth. She died in 524 and her cult is widespread not only throughout Ireland but in several European lands.
St Brigid is renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick and this is reflected in the prayers of the Mass. The traditional designation of Brigid as Mary of the Gael is found in the blessing. In the preface we say that, through Brigid, God has shown a people the way of Mary in dedicated service and holiness of life. The last line of the blessing with reference to the heart and mind as a throne of rest for the Holy Spirit is taken from her Vita in the Book of Lismore.
New readings are provided and given here., approved in 2008 and, therefore, not in the Lectionary: Job 31:16-20, 24-25, 31-32 or Ephesians 3:14-21 and Luke 6:32-38. The psalm is Psalm 106 (107): 35-38, 41-42, with v. 1 as response, Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end.
St Brigid is renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick and this is reflected in the prayers of the Mass. The traditional designation of Brigid as Mary of the Gael is found in the blessing. In the preface we say that, through Brigid, God has shown a people the way of Mary in dedicated service and holiness of life. The last line of the blessing with reference to the heart and mind as a throne of rest for the Holy Spirit is taken from her Vita in the Book of Lismore.
New readings are provided and given here., approved in 2008 and, therefore, not in the Lectionary: Job 31:16-20, 24-25, 31-32 or Ephesians 3:14-21 and Luke 6:32-38. The psalm is Psalm 106 (107): 35-38, 41-42, with v. 1 as response, Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end.
Icon of St Brigid of Kildare