Saint Brigid of Kildare

Brigid was born in Ireland around 451, during the generation that first received the faith through Saint Patrick. Ancient Irish lives describe her as a girl of extraordinary generosity who gave away her father's goods to the poor, and who chose to consecrate herself to God rather than marry.

Around 480 she founded a double monastery for women and men at Kildare, the 'church of the oak,' which grew into a great center of learning, art and prayer. Brigid was famous for hospitality, for feeding the hungry and for her care of the sick. She died around 525 and was buried at Kildare; her relics were later said to rest with Patrick and Columba at Downpatrick. With them she is honored as one of the three patron saints of Ireland, and the Irish affectionately call her 'Mary of the Gael.'

On the eve of her feast, Irish families weave Saint Brigid's crosses from rushes and hang them over doors to ask God's protection on the home for the coming year. Since 2023 the first Monday of February is a public holiday in Ireland in her honor.

Irish communities in the United States, Australia and elsewhere keep her day with Masses, blessings of the crosses and a 'brat Bríde,' a strip of cloth left outside overnight to be blessed.