St. Brigid of Kildare

"I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all."

- St. Brigid of Kildare (451 - 523)

Today is the feast day of St. Brigid of Kildare. Brigid was born at Faughart, which is near Dundalk, Louth, Ireland, in 451. Her parents were baptized by St. Patrick, and Brigid also became a close friend of his. When she was young, Brigid entered into the religious life and took the veil from St. Macaille at Croghan. She was professed by St. Mel of Armagh. After she took the veil, she settled at the foot of Croghan Hill with seven other virgins. However, in 468, Brigid followed St. Mel to Meath. In 470, she founded a monastery at Kildare, which became a great center of learning and spirituality. She also founded a school at Kildare, which became known for its illuminated manuscripts. Because of St. Brigid's piety, compassion, and great love, she is known as Mary of the Gael (because she imitated many of the Blessed Virgin Mary's qualities).  She died in 523, and is buried in Downpatrick, Ireland, with St. Columba and St. Patrick. She is the co-patroness of Ireland. 

St. Brigid, pray for us!

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Picture Of And Information About St. Brigid Taken From:

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=453

http://www.catholictradition.org/Children/st-brigid.htm