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Periscope by Niall O'Dowd

Irish women should follow St. Brigid, not just St. Patrick

Posted on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 05:51 PM

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St. Brigid is the female equivalent of St. Patrick in Ireland, but there are no parades in her honor, and apart from the St. Brigid's Cross, her name is hardly known.

That really should change.

St. Brigid was a woman who was well ahead of her time. Born around 453, she was the daughter of a slave and a chieftain. Her feast day is celebrated on February 1.

She became one of the most-powerful women in Ireland. After refusing an arranged marriage, she went on to found many convents whose schools provided an education for thousands of young women who otherwise would have had none.

She was the lone female figure whose voice was heard in a male-dominated Church, but the stories of her good deeds and extraordinary acts ensured she was canonized well before most of her contemporaries.

She stands today as an example of an Irish woman who followed her heart and took on the powers-that-be in a male-dominated world. She was certainly a figure as extraordinary as Patrick himself.

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Joe Glackin | Dec 24, 2012, 05:20 PM EST

I dont know about present Church obligations but in the sixties /seventies here (6 Counties)St Brigids day was an important one. We had to make St Bridgids crosses at school and the named Bridgid was popular.We learnt all the stories,. miricales of St Brigids life.There was the St Bridgid wells to visit,other traditions and strange happenings.There was the St Bridgids prayer that was one of peace ,harmony and hope to the oppressed, misguided or judged.

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BishopSean | Feb 01, 2010, 06:24 PM EST

Brigid was a wonderful Christian. Have you heard that, in earlier centuries, the selection of bishops was done by the sisters, not the priests or males?

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McClusky | Feb 01, 2010, 03:44 PM EST

I think MEN should follow the Goddess/Saint, too. http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/feb-1-brigit-holy-woman

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littleredpiper | Feb 01, 2010, 03:35 PM EST

Happy Feast Day St Brigid! Brigid is my confirmation name. It feels like spring in NY. The daffodils are poking their heads up!

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jimwaldron | Feb 01, 2010, 03:27 PM EST

There may not be parades, but the evening vigil march before her day at Dundalk is an experience I will not forget.

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jacersisityourself | Feb 01, 2010, 02:31 PM EST

Yep, the first day of Spring has arrived in Ireland. Bluddy freezing again. But I wish a Happy and Holy St. Brigid's Day to all. My last born sister was named Brigid. She survived for a few hours. I've never forgotten her.

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belfastgirl1 | Feb 01, 2010, 02:20 PM EST

I always wear my St. Brigid.s cross. I also have a large cross above my fireplace. Happy St.Brigid's day to all.

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mickstrd | Feb 01, 2010, 02:19 PM EST

The article is modestly written. I agree totally!

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chesapeake | Feb 01, 2010, 01:18 PM EST

Ah, this is something with which I agree.

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Searlit | Feb 01, 2010, 11:49 AM EST

Happy ST. Brigid's Day to all, and Happy Spring to the people of Ireland, too. There's a lovely tradition in Ireland of visiting Holy wells where people go to renew their spirits and give thanks to ST. Brigid. There's precious hope and beauty in that.

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cmdriscoll | Feb 01, 2010, 10:08 AM EST

She is an example for all women, not just be of Irish descent. Support the Say No movement to end abuse and rape of women around the world.

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phoenixnurse | Feb 01, 2010, 09:56 AM EST

A truly Amazing Woman & Saint. A role model for all woman. She not only founded convents, an abby, but schools and hospitals for the poor and needy. A remarkable nun.

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annhowell | Feb 01, 2010, 09:36 AM EST

PS: And remember Brigid was an Irish Goddess before the Christian Church made her one of their own for purposes of conversion. The essence of Brigid has a long history worth continuing.

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annhowell | Feb 01, 2010, 09:22 AM EST

I think the time is more than right for Brigid to be acknowledged, not just by her country of birth, but everywhere. I live in the United States and celebrate her day as I feel a kinship with her. Now is the time for all women to follow their hearts and help heal damage done, and still being done, by our mostly patriarch society. Step up kindred spirits.

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Christisall | Feb 01, 2010, 08:53 AM EST

Go, Brigid, go!

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