"I would like the angels of Heaven to be among us. I would like an abundance of peace.
I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy.
I would like cheerfulness to preside over all. I would like Jesus to be present.
I would like the three Marys of illustrious renown to be with us. I would like the friends of Heaven to be gathered around us from all parts."
-- Saint Brigid

About Saint Brigid --

St. Brigid was the daughter of Dubtach, pagan Scottish king of Leinster, -- and Brocca, a Christian Pictish slave who had been baptized by Saint Patrick.
Just before Brigid's birth, her mother was sold to a Druid landowner and Brigid remained with her mother until she was old enough to serve her legal owner -- Dubtach, her father.
She grew up marked by high spirits and a tender heart, and as a child, she heard Saint Patrick preach, which she never forgot. She could not bear to see anyone hungry or cold, and to help them, often gave away things that were Dubtach's. When Dubtach protested, she replied "Christ dwells in every creature".
Dubtach tried to sell her to the King of Leinster, and while they bargained, she gave a treasured sword of her father's to a leper. Dubtach was about to strike her when Brigid explained she had given the sword to God through the leper, because of its great value.
The King, a Christian, forbade Dubtach to strike her, saying "Her merit before God is greater than ours". Dubtach solved this domestic problem by giving Brigid her freedom.
Brigid's aged mother was in charge of her master's dairy. Brigid took charge ,and often gave away the produce. But the dairy prospered under her hence her patronage of milk maids, dairy workers, cattle, etc. Eventually the Druid freed Brigid's mother.
Brigid returned to her father, who arranged a marriage for her with a young bard. Brigid refused, and to keep her virginity, went to Bishop Mel, a pupil of Saint Patrick's, and took her first vows.
Legend says that she prayed that her beauty be taken from her so no one would seek her hand in marriage; her prayer was granted, and she regained her beauty only after making her vows.
Saint Patrick heard her final vows. And he prophesied that "She is destined for great things."
Her first convent started with seven nuns. At the invitation of bishops, she started convents all over Ireland. She was a great traveller, especially considering the conditions of the time, which led to her patronage of travellers, sailors, etc.
Brigid invented the double monastery, the monastery of Kildare on the Liffey being for both monks and nuns. Combeth, noted for his skill in metalwork, became its first bishop; this connection and the installation of a bell that lasted over 1000 years apparently led to her patronage of blacksmiths and those in related fields. Her feastday is Feb. 1st.

Any and all prayer requests or masses, information or worship schedule, -- please contact Fr. James....