Inspired by Saint Brigid

Exactly a month ago, the 1st Feb, was Saint Brigid's day, originally a pagan festival called Imbolc, which also marks the beginning of spring in Ireland. And, with the recent unusual warm weather we've been having, it certainly feels like spring is on its way! So I decided to find out more about St Brigid - and what I discovered was incredibly inspiring...

Brigid was born into slavery in AD 451 and spent most of her early life cooking, cleaning, washing and feeding the animals on her father’s farm in Ireland. Brigid’s father named her after one of the most powerful goddesses of the pagan religion - the goddess of fire, whose manifestations were song, craftsmanship, and poetry, which the Irish considered the flame of knowledge. As a young woman, she became a Christian and devoted her life to caring for the poor, the sick and the elderly. Her generosity angered her father so much that he gave permission for her to enter a convent!

Brigid founded many convents all over Ireland; the most famous one was in Kildare, which later became a double monastery, for monks and nuns, with Brigid presiding over both. She also founded a school of art, including metal work and illumination, which is where the famous Book of Kildare was created.

Today, St Brigid is a much-loved and highly revered Celtic saint whose life is associated with healing the sick, seeking justice for the poor and showing compassion to both humans and animals, as well as a deep love and respect for nature. Her story and example has inspired me afresh to living a life of generosity towards all life, unity in humanity, and care for our planet.