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Celtic expressions of Christianity draw me because of their connection to nature and level of participation, which contrasts with the spectator quality of American expressions. Celtic Christianity celebrates some saints, heroes and heroines of faith, including St. Brigid of Kildare, whose feast day is February 1 (and sometimes 2).
Born in 453 and living to be 72 years old, St. Brigid was one of Ireland’s patron saints, along with Patrick and Colombo, and a woman before her time. She was well-respected in both ecclesiastical and civic circles. She was an abbess of a double monastery (meaning they had both men and women) at Kildare, and founder of several other communities.
Brigid was especially concerned about the conditions of the poor, of women and of children. There are even miracles stories associated with her.
Miracle of the Cloak
One of my favorite stories is of her asking the King of Leinster for land to open a convent community. He laughed at what he considered a bold requestfor a ridiculous use of land, so she asked if he would grant her the amount of land her cloak would cover. He amusedly granted her request. After praying, four of her nuns took the corners of her cloak and began to run in the directions of the compass points, the cloak growing with each step they took.
When they passed out of sight, the king exclaimed, “Brigid, what are you about?!”
“You have placed yourself opposed to the true God,” she responded. “My cloak shall cover your entire kingdom; you are being punished for your selfishness.”
He begged her to stop and granted her the plot of land she had requested.
Feast Day Traditions
There are two traditions I enjoy associated with St. Brigid’s Feast Day.
One is the making of St. Brigid Crosses. Legend says that St. Brigid was sharing the gospel with a gentlemen and made the cross from the reeds on the floor while she talked. The crosses came to be signs of blessing for a home.
The other is Blessing Cloths. Women leave cloths or scarves outside on the eve of her feast day to be blessed. The cloths carry a blessing of healing, especially for headaches, but also for the health of a relationship and children.
More about St. Brigid
Learn more about St. Brigid at these links.
Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery in Saint Joseph, MN is associated with the United Methodist Church.