Ireland: Ecumenical service to celebrate St Brigid's 1,500th anniversary

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office

On 1 February 2024, Churches across Kildare and beyond will come together to participate in a special ecumenical service at 11am in Saint Brigid's Cathedral, entitled: 'Celebrating Saint Brigid 1500: A Service of Thanksgiving'.

This service is dedicated to commemorating the 1500th anniversary of Saint Brigid's death and will take place on her Feast Day, Lá Fhéile Bríde, on 1 February. It promises to be an uplifting experience through music, prayer, and worship.

The co-leaders of this thanksgiving service are Bishop Denis Nulty, Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, and the Bishop Pat Storey, Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare. Canon Dr Alison Joyce, the Rector of Saint Bride's Church, Fleet Street, in the heart of London, will deliver the sermon.

The service will also feature the leaders of the three local churches in Kildare town, Dean Isobel Jackson of Saint Brigid's Cathedral, Father Andy Leahy of Saint Brigid's Parish Church, and Father TC Antony of the Carmelite Church. The Cathedral marks the ancient hilltop site where Saint Brigid founded her double monastery, for men and for women, in the year 480 AD.

At the end of the service at 12 noon, a 'Pause for Peace' will be observed in the Cathedral. It will be introduced by Sister Rita Minehan from the Brigidine Sisters. This will be aligning with a broader initiative whereby the people of Kildare are extending a global invitation, urging individuals worldwide to pause for a minute's silence at midday (local time) on Saint Brigid's Day, 1 February 2024.

Commenting ahead of the service, Bishop Storey said, "We are delighted to be a part of the Brigid 1500 celebrations which highlight the Christian heritage and living faith of many in this land. We are partners in the gospel alongside every believer as we remember the wonderful legacy of Brigid."

Bishop Nulty added, "Celebrating anniversaries help to ground us and root us in the reality of the present day. The 1500th anniversary of the death of Saint Brigid is one such anniversary. I am so looking forward to gathering, with Bishop Pat and the people of Kildare, in the Cathedral on 1 February as we celebrate and give thanks for the witness of Brigid and the faith that she brought."

Kildare County Council has extended a warm invitation to the community and visitors alike to participate in the Brigid 1500 Programme and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Saint Brigid throughout 2024, marking the 1500th anniversary of her death.

For further information and updates, please visit: www.brigid1500.ie and all Brigid 1500 social media channels.