Brigid of Kildare

Who they were

Brigid was born at Faughart near Dundalk about 451. Refusing many offers of marriage, she became a nun and received the veil from St Macaille. With seven other virgins she settled first at Croghan Hill, then built under a great oak her convent of Cill-Dara, 'the church of the oak': Kildare.

An ancient verse says she was never given to sleep nor slack in the love of God, and sought none of this world's wealth. She died at Kildare on 1 February 525, leaving a cathedral city and school famous across Europe; she is called 'the Mary of the Gael'.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: she has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

A founder of Irish religious life, remembered for her love of God and the poor.

Connected on this site

• Broccán Clóen Saint
  “518) speaks as if he were inclined to identify both these persons with the author of an early Irish hymn upon Brigid of Kildare.” — Wikipedia
• Dar Lugdach Saint
  “This feast day is shared by Dar Lugdach, who tradition says was her student, close companion, and successor.” — Wikipedia
• Ninnidh Láimhdhearg Saint
  “Ninnidh of Inismacsaint is often confused with Ninnidh of the Pure Hand who attended Brigid of Kildare on her deathbed.” — Wikipedia
• Saint Patrick Saint
  “Known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is the primary patron saint of Ireland, the other patron saints being Brigid of Kildare and Columba.” — Wikipedia