Devotees of St. Brigid Plan Festive Return of Relic
Brigid 1500: A Global Observance
Devotees of St. Brigid are preparing to celebrate her tremendous legacy with a highly anticipated event – the return of a relic closely associated with the beloved matron saint of Ireland. The festivities are slated to take place in her hometown, southwest of Dublin, and are part of Brigid 1500, a series of observances around the world commemorating the 1,500th anniversary of her death in 524 AD.
Brigid, though less renowned than St. Patrick, has gained significant popularity in the 21st century. Her followers draw inspiration not only from her sainthood but also from Brigid the ancient pagan goddess, who shared her name and attributes. The attachment to Brigid goes hand in hand with a growing disenchantment towards the patriarchal Catholic Church, which has been the historically dominant religious institution in Ireland. Brigid’s legacy symbolizes feminine spirituality and empowerment, resonating with many in the current cultural climate.
Unveiling Brigid: An Exploration of Her Life
Brigid, the ancient pagan goddess of the Celts, shares her name with the beloved saint of the fifth and sixth centuries. The goddess Brigid was associated with a multitude of facets, including poetry, healing, metal crafting, nature, fertility, and fire. Her veneration on the mid-winter holy day of Imbolc, which coincides with St. Brigid’s Day on February 1st, continues to this day.
St. Brigid’s biography is defined by a combination of legends and historical accounts. Born to a ruler and enslaved mother, she is believed to have become the abbess of a prominent monastic settlement that thrived as a center of arts and learning, eventually lending its name to the town of Kildare, meaning “church of the oak” in Irish. One extraordinary anecdote tells of how Brigid, when granted land by a local king, miraculously expanded it to encompass the surrounding countryside by spreading her cloak. Traveling extensively, Brigid dedicated herself fiercely to preaching, healing, and promoting peace. Recognized for her devotion to others, she even selflessly gave away her father’s jeweled sword to a man in need.
The Return of the Relic to Kildare
Historically, Brigid was believed to have been buried at her monastic church in Kildare. However, in the ninth century, her remains were transferred to the northern town of Downpatrick as a precaution against Viking raids. Sadly, the shrine housing her relic subsequently faced destruction by English troops during the Protestant Reformation. Several churches across Europe claim to possess Brigid’s relics, such as a fragment of her skull, which was reputedly carried to Portugal by three Irish knights. Eventually, a portion of the relic was returned in the 1930s to the Brigidine Sisters of Ireland and is currently enclosed in a petite metal reliquary in the shape of an oak tree, an important symbol associated with Brigid. This revered relic will soon find its new and permanent home within the Catholic parish church named in her honor in Kildare.
Ancient Traditions Revived: The Significance of Relics in Catholic Worship
The Catholic Church, guided by canon law, encourages the sincere veneration of saints as exemplary figures in devout lives. Thus, relics, ranging from fragments of saints’ bodies to their clothing and associated artifacts, are often venerated. It is crucial to differentiate between venerating relics and worshiping or adoring them, as worship and adoration are reserved solely for God. The veneration of relics serves as a profound connection between the faithful and the lives of revered saints, fostering a spiritual bond and inspiration.
Commemorating St. Brigid’s Day: Celebrating Feminine Spirituality and Peacemaking
St. Brigid’s Day, coinciding with the pagan holy day of Imbolc, is observed on February 1st, with Ireland scheduling a public holiday on the following Monday. Brigid’s enduring appeal in the contemporary era coincides with a surge of disillusionment in traditional Roman Catholicism, catalyzed by a secularizing culture and numerous crises, including scandalous revelations of sexual abuse. Brigid’s followers, whether praising her as a saint, a goddess, or both, view her as a symbol of female spirituality, ecological stewardship, and artistic creativity.
Melanie Lynch, founder of Herstory, an organization dedicated to promoting female role models, emphasized the potential reconciliation of Christian and pagan traditions enabled by Brigid’s Day. It presents an opportunity to transcend the age-old dichotomy between these spiritual lineages, finding wisdom and beauty in both.
Exuberant Celebrations: St. Brigid’s Relic Returns Home
One of the most anticipated events is the ceremonial return of Brigid’s relic to her birthplace. A short procession from the Christian spirituality center, Solas Bhride, led by three girls geometrically dressed as medieval Irish knights, will culminate in the relic’s unveiling at St. Brigid’s Parish Church. The Catholic parish church plans to display the sacred relic permanently, signifying the enduring reverence for Brigid throughout Ireland and specifically in Kildare, appreciating her impactful words, wisdom, and benevolent actions.
Solas Bhride, the “Light of Brigid,” a spirituality center led by Brigidine Sisters in Kildare, has meticulously organized several Frigid Day events. These include a midday “Pause for Peace,” where thousands of students on the nearby Curragh Plains will form a colossal St. Brigid’s Cross, executed through careful coordination to effortlessly combine four symmetrical arms, symbolizing harmony. In solidarity, individuals and groups worldwide will partake in the universal pause, observing a minute of silence at noon local time to express their unequivocal opposition to global conflict and arms proliferation. Peace holds particular significance on St. Brigid’s Day, as Brigid herself was renowned for her peacemaking endeavors.
Additional events organized by Solas Bhride and other Kildare locations encompass a diverse array of musical performances, ecumenical worship, and more, ensuring a vibrant celebration of St. Brigid’s enduring legacy. In a stunning fusion of art and reverence, Herstory plans to project captivating visual depictions of Brigid onto historical landmarks through dramatic lightshows that will captivate and inspire observers. Moreover, communities abroad with Irish heritage intend to commemorate St. Brigid’s Day with cultural events and vibrant concerts. Meanwhile, various religious and pagan groups will engage in services and meditative rituals, united in their dedication to honoring the goddess and observing Imbolc.
With evolving cultural dynamics, St. Brigid’s popularity endures, transmitting a radiant message of inclusivity, sustainable coexistence, and creative expression. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate generations as her virtues and ideals resound in a world much in need of love, compassion, and harmony.
___
Associated Press Religion Coverage receives support through the collaborative efforts with The Conversation US, made possible by the generous contribution of Lilly Endowment Inc. The Associated Press holds sole responsibility for the accuracy of its content.