Feast of St Brigid – Patron of Ireland – Mass

St Brigid’s Crosses will be Blessed at this Mass.

Saint Brigid is renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick. She 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 find 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. The St Brigid’s Cross, in legend used by Brigid to explain the Christian faith, remains a popular sign of God’s protection.