St Brigid of Kildare




Today is the feast of one of my wife's patron's, St Brigid of Kildare. The stories of her life vary greatly, some of them consising almost entirely of wonderful, extravagant Celtic miracles. This relation of her tale seems to stick to the basics. You can even learn something of "St Brigid's Cross."

The old collect for her feast day:

O God, Who on this day dost make us to rejoice in the yearly solemnity of blessed Brigid Thy Virgin: graciously grant that we who are enlightened by the example of her chastity, may be aided by her merits. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The collect in the Pauline liturgy:

Lord, You inspired in Saint Brigid such whole-hearted dedication to Your work that she is known as Mary of the Gael; through her intercession bless our country; may we follow the example of her life and be united with her and the Virgin Mary in Your presence. We make our prayer through our Lord. Amen.


Yesterday was the feast of St John Bosco which I entirely forgot to mention. A terrible failing for an old Salesian boy. Perhaps I can atone by sending you here to The Commonplace Book of Zadok The Roman for a sample of Don Bosco's prophecies. If you were taught by the Salesians in the old days you know some of these prophecies very well indeed. Don Bosco was almost a living presence in Salesian schools all those years ago when I was in school. I wonder, do they still tell their boys all about their patron? He isn't mentioned much in the promotional literature from my old high school.