Saint Ita of Killeedy

Biography

Saint Ita of Killeedy, also known as Ita of Clúaincredal, Ita of Hy-Connall, Ita of Ireland, Ita of Munster, Ita of Waterford, Deirdre, Dorothy, Ide, Ite, Itha, Meda, Mida, Mide, and Ytha, was born in Drum, County Waterford, Ireland, to the Irish nobility, possibly a member of the royal family. She lived in the 6th century and is considered one of the most important female saints in Irish history. From a young age, Ita expressed a strong desire to dedicate her life to God. Despite being pursued by suitors, she steadfastly refused to marry and instead sought a life of celibacy and spiritual devotion. Eventually, she received her father's blessing to pursue her chosen path. Saint Ita is best known for founding the convent at Hy Conaill, located in County Limerick, Ireland. This convent attracted numerous women who were inspired by Ita's exemplary life and teachings. Under her guidance, the convent became a vibrant center of spiritual growth and devotion. In addition to her work with the convent, Ita also established a school for boys in Killeedy. One of her most famous students was Saint Brendan, who later went on to become a renowned voyager and missionary. Ita's educational efforts were recognized for their importance in shaping the spiritual development of young men and for providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge. Saint Ita's devotion to God and her remarkable holiness inspired many extravagant miracles that became associated with her. One such miracle tells of her healing a man who had been decapitated, restoring his head to his body and bringing him back to life. Another popular story recounts how she sustained herself solely through food delivered from heaven. Ita's holiness and dedication to her calling earned her immense popularity throughout Ireland. Although she is often considered the "Foster Mother of the Saints of Ireland," she is second in popularity only to Saint Brigid in terms of Irish devotion. After a life dedicated to God and the service of others, Saint Ita died around the year 570 of natural causes. Her remarkable spiritual legacy continues to inspire and guide people to this day. Saint Ita was not officially canonized through the formal process established by the Catholic Church, as this process was not in place during her time. Nevertheless, she is widely venerated as a saint and holds the title of "Saint" due to her exemplary life and the widespread devotion she has received. She is regarded as the patron saint of the diocese of Limerick, Ireland, which recognizes her significant contributions to the region and the spiritual well-being of its people. The feast day commemorating Saint Ita is celebrated on January 15th each year. Saint Ita's life stands as a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and selflessness. Her extraordinary spiritual gifts and her unwavering commitment to God continue to resonate with believers and inspire them to live lives of devotion and service.