St Brigid – the patroness of women, poets, farmers and healers. St Brigid’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of February of each year. This feast day was one of the most important days of the year for Ireland’s rural ancestors. With its origins in the Celtic festival of Imbolc, it was a celebration of fertility and a new season of hope and growth. As such, Ireland’s rural ancestors marked the day with a festive meal and a host of customs, all aimed at securing St Brigid’s protection and promise of new life and abundance for the year ahead. St Brigid is celebrated around the world within Christian and Pagan community groups but in recent years she has been celebrated as a woman that is representative of strong, creative women everywhere.

We pray to St. Brigid for the gift of all women that they may be respected and treated with dignity all over the world and for an end to gender based violence, hurt and abuse in our society.

Brigid, you were a woman of peace. You brought harmony where there was conflict. You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. 

May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.

Inspire us to act justly and to reverance all God has made.

Brigid, you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.

Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.

May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit. Amen.