The Other Saint

Everybody seems to be wearing green today in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. But did you know Ireland has 2 patron saints? The lesser known patron is St. Brigid (451-525). Her feast day is Feb 1st every year. What an increbile woman and leader she was. She was a holy force called by God to show love and hospitality to all people. There are many miracles that surround Brigid, but one involves her being ordained a priest. In a mysterious mix-up the bishop prayed for her to be set apart only to later realize that she was a woman. The bishop didn't take it back and Brigid is considered to be one of the first recognized female priests.
Brigid hailed from Kildare in Ireland. Her monastery, well and eternal light can still be seen. She was the Abbess of a double-monastery ...a monastery for men and women. Men lived in one house and men in the other with the chapel and common space between the two. With the rise of the new monastic movement, several communities are examining Brigid's model. In fact there is a Christian community at Kildare that welcomes people and encourages them to take a pilgrimage around the grounds.
Amazingly, Brigid was known as a saint in her lifetime. She was know for her joy, holiness and remarkable common sense. How amazing that common sense can be a virture and a neighbor with holiness. Perhaps that's the best saint of all..wise in the ways of heaven and earth. Approachable to kings and simple persons, animals and saints. May our prayer echo Brigid's as we seek to be authentic disciples.