π Life Timeline
Unknown
Born in c. 451 AD, Faughart, Ireland
Pre-
Canonized β Pre-Tridentine
β Biography
Born Brigid of Ireland c.451-453 in Faughart, County Down, to a Scottish slave girl and a pagan chieftain. Baptized as a child. At age 7 she miraculously converted two pagan chieftains to Christianity by sharing her bread. Devoted herself to prayer, fasting, and works of mercy from youth. Founded the double monastery of Kildare c.480βone of the most important religious and cultural centers in medieval Ireland. The monastery had a sacred flame tended by 19 nuns that was never extinguished from her death until 1148 (600 years). Known for founding schools of art, learning, and manuscript illumination. The 'Brigidines' became one of the most widespread religious orders. Died Feb 1, 523-525 at Kildare. Her shrine at Downpatrick is shared with St Patrick and St Columba. Patron of Ireland, firefighters, and livestock. Her feast day, Imbolc (Feb 1), was incorporated into the Christian calendar.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Ireland, firefighters, midwives, livestock, and metalworkers.
π¬ Words of the Saint
Follow God. Follow God. Follow God.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 451 AD, Faughart, Ireland
Died
February 1, 523 AD, Kildare, Ireland
Feast Day
Feb 1
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
π Legacy
Brigid's cross β a simple Celtic knot β is made every Imbolc (Feb 1) and hung above doorways. Her monastery at Kildare was one of Europe's great centers of learning. The Brigidines are one of the largest religious orders in the world.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Rule of Kildare
On the Double Monastery
The monastery of Kildare is a double monastery, for men and women. Let us live in community, let us pray together, let us work together, let us eat together, let us sleep together. Let us be one in Christ, one in faith, one in love.
β St. Brigid of Kildare