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Feast Day: February 8
Saint Brigid of Ireland, also known as Brigid of Kildare, Brigid of Cell Dara, and by various other names such as Bride, Bridget, Brigit, Ffraid, and Mary of the Gael, was born in the year 453 in Faughart, County Louth, Ireland. She was the daughter of Dubtach, a pagan Scottish king of Leinster, and Brocca, a Christian Pictish slave who had been baptized by Saint Patrick. Shortly before Brigid's birth, her mother was sold to a Druid landowner, and Brigid remained with her mother until she was old enough to serve her legal owner, Dubtach. Despite her young age, Brigid displayed a high spirit and a compassionate heart. As a child, she had the opportunity to hear Saint Patrick preach, and his teachings deeply impacted her. Brigid developed a strong aversion to seeing anyone hungry or cold and would often give away things that belonged to Dubtach to help them. When Dubtach objected, Brigid stated that "Christ dwelt in every creature." In an act of extreme generosity, she once gave a treasured sword of her father's to a leper. When Dubtach was about to strike her, Brigid explained that she had given the sword to God through the leper due to its immense value. The King of Leinster, who was a Christian, intervened and prohibited Dubtach from harming her, acknowledging that her merit before God surpassed theirs. In order to resolve the domestic issue, Dubtach ultimately granted Brigid her freedom. Brigid's mother, now aged, was put in charge of her master's dairy, and Brigid took charge of it as well. She frequently gave away the produce, yet the dairy thrived under her care (thus earning her patronage of milk maids, dairy workers, cattle, etc.). Impressed by Brigid's abilities, the Druid landowner eventually freed her mother. Brigid returned to her father, who arranged a marriage for her with a young bard. However, Brigid refused the marriage proposal and sought to preserve her virginity. She approached her Bishop, Saint Mel of Ardagh, and took her first vows. It is said that she prayed to have her beauty taken away so that no one would seek her hand in marriage. Her prayer was answered, and she only regained her beauty after making her vows. There is also a tale that indicates Saint Patrick inadvertently used the form for ordaining priests when hearing Brigid's final vows. Upon being informed of the mistake, Saint Patrick declared, "So be it, my son, she is destined for great things." In approximately 468, Brigid established her first convent with seven nuns. She received invitations from various bishops and went on to found numerous convents across Ireland. Remarkably, Brigid was an extensive traveler, which was a significant feat considering the conditions of the time. This led to her patronage of travelers, sailors, and other related fields. Brigid's most notable achievement was the establishment of the double monastery of Kildara, also known as the Church of the Oak, situated on the banks of the Liffey river. This monastery was unique as it housed both monks and nuns. Saint Conleth became the first bishop of Kildare, and the installation of a bell, which lasted over 1000 years, further solidified Brigid's patronage of blacksmiths and related professions. Saint Brigid is commonly depicted as an abbess, often holding a lamp or candle, and sometimes with a cow nearby. Another representation shows her with her hand on an altar, while another depicts her holding a cross with a flame over her head. Saint Brigid of Ireland passed away on 1 February 523 in Kildare, Ireland, due to natural causes. She was laid to rest in the Kildare cathedral. In 878, her relics, along with those of Saint Patrick and Saint Columba of Iona, were transferred to Downpatrick, Ireland. These relics were rediscovered on 9 June 1185. Additionally, her head was removed and placed in a Jesuit church in Lisbon, Portugal. Although Saint Brigid was not officially canonized by the Church, her holy and virtuous life led her to be recognized as a saint even before formal canonization processes were established. Saint Brigid of Ireland is considered the patron saint of various individuals and groups, including babies, blacksmiths, boatmen, cattle, chicken farmers, children whose parents are not married, dairymaids, dairy workers, fugitives, infants, Ireland, mariners, midwives, milk maids, newborn babies, nuns, poets, poultry farmers, poultry raisers, printing presses, sailors, scholars, travelers, and watermen. She is also a patron saint of Douglas in Lanarkshire, Scotland, Ivrea in Turin, Italy, Leinster in Ireland, and the Diocese of Kildare, Ireland. Saint Brigid of Ireland's life and works exemplify her deep devotion, compassionate nature, and commitment to serving others. Her influence continues to inspire and guide millions of individuals around the world.