Born in Ireland in the mid 5th century, Brigid’s mother, Broka, was a slave who had been Baptized by St. Patrick. Her father was an Irish Chieftain who promptly sold Brigid’s mother when he discovered she was pregnant. 

From childhood, Brigid was filled with faith and generosity, always looking for ways to help those struggling around her. 

At one point, she gave away all of her mothers butter. When Broka became upset by this, Brigid restored the supply of butter, through prayer. 

At the age of ten, Brigid was sent back to her father, and once there, quickly resumed her habit of giving away anything she thought necessary to help those in need, which became more than a little exasperating for her father, who took her to a local King to try and sell her. 

But the King had heard of Brigid’s generosity and recognized the beauty of her heart and faith. 

He also witnessed it first hand as she gave away his jeweled sword. 

Seeing this, instead of being angered, the King said, simply: “Her merit before God is greater than ours.” 

And, the King convinced Brigid’s father to set her free. 

Brigid refused to marry, and asked The Lord to remove her beauty which He did, returning it after she took her final vows as a nun. 

She took those vows from St. Patrick, who mistakenly used the form for priests. When this was pointed out to him he said: ”So be it. She is destined for great things.” 

Brigid went on to found a monastery at Kildare, the first of several she would build for both men and women. She also opened a school for art and metal work. 

Over time, Brigid and St.Patrick became very good friends and they, along with St. Columba, are the Patron Saints of Ireland. 

She died in 525.

St. Brigid of Ireland, please pray for us.