Today’s Readings – Saint Brigid of Kildare, Abbess and Secondary Patron of Ireland

St Brigid, Abbess and Secondary Patron of Ireland (Feast)

Brigid of Kildare (Irish: Naomh Bhríde; 451-525) was an Irish nun, abbess, and founder of several convents. Like many early saints there is much debate among scholars and even Christians as to the authenticity of her biographies.

The earliest life of Brigid is the Vita Brigitae of Cogitosus which is thought to have been written no later than AD 650. According to tradition, Brigid was born at Faughart near Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. Her parents were said to be Dubhthach, a pagan chieftain of Leinster, and Brocca, a Christian Pict who had been baptized by Saint Patrick. Some accounts suggested that Brigid’s mother was actually Portuguese, kidnapped by Irish pirates and brought to Ireland to work as … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Saint John Bosco, Priest

St John Bosco, Priest (Memorial)

John Bosco was born in 1815 in the village of Becchi in the Piedmont district of northern Italy, and grew up on his parents’ small farm. On the death of his father when John was only two years old, his mother Margaret and her three boys found it increa … Continue