Ireland: New holiday - St Brigid's Day

Source: Irish Bishop's Conference

The Bishops of Kildare in Ireland have applauded the introduction of a new holiday dedicated to St Brigid. Bishop Pat Storey, Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare, and Bishop Denis Nulty, Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin have welcomed the news that the Government has announced an additional bank holiday to take place around Saint Brigid's Day.

In a joint statement, they said:

"Brigid means many things to many people. Symbol and story feature strongly in her life. Brigid was born around 454 and died about 524. For people of faith St Brigid represents that transition from paganism to Christianity in Celtic Ireland. In 480 she founded her monastery in Kildare, the church of the oak tree. Every school child knows the song of Brigid and how her cloak covered the area we know today as the Curragh, St Brigid's Field. Brigid is linked with the earth, with agriculture, particularly ploughing, sowing, milking, butter-making and, of course, vibrant Christian faith. Brigid was extravagant in her hospitality.

It is very appropriate that a new public holiday will honour St Brigid. As the secondary saint in Ireland to Patrick, for too long she has been lost in his shadow. We warmly welcome the news that Brigid is being rightly, and long overdue, acknowledged."

The Feast Day of St Brigid is on 1 February.

Sr Patricia Mulhall of the Brigidine Sisters said, "the years of constant and consistent lobbying by the women of Ireland (some men too) has brought this about, so it is good news for us that Brigid is being recognised as a patron Saint alongside Patrick."

Link: https://brigidine.org.au/