Feast of Saint Brigid

 

St. Brigid is the Patroness of Ireland. Some say she was baptized by Saint Patrick. Pictured above is St. Brigid's Cross which arises from this legend:

"A pagan chieftain from the neighbourhood of Kildare was dying. Christians in his household sent for Brigid to talk to him about Christ. When she arrived the chieftain was raving. As it was impossible to instruct this delirious man, hopes for his conversion seemed doubtful. Brigid sat down at his bedside and began consoling him. As was customary, the dirt floor was strewn with rushes both for warmth and cleanliness. Brigid stooped down and started to weave them into a cross, fastening the points together. The sick man asked what she was doing. She began to explain the cross, and as she talked his delirium quieted and he questioned her with growing
interest."

Afte she died, three knights took her skull with them when they went to fight in the Crusades. The skull is now intered in a small town near Lisbon, Portugal - except for a small piece which has been returned here.