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Tag: Saints of Kildare

  • Saint Conleth of Kildare, May 3

    On May 3 we celebrate the feast of Saint Conleth, first Bishop of Kildare. The following account of his life has been distilled from Canon O’Hanlon’s Lives of the Irish Saints, Volume 5, pages 69-95. The description by Cogitosus of the tombs of Saint Brigid and Saint Conleth at Kildare can be found at my other blog Trias Thaumaturga here.

    ST. CONLETH, OR CONLAID, BISHOP AND PATRON OF KILDARE DIOCESE.
    [FIFTH AND SIXTH CENTURIES.]

    The exact time of this saint’s birth has not been recorded, nor do we know whether he was born of Christian parents. His first name is said to have been Roincenn; in the Acts of St. Brigid, Patroness of Ireland, he is variously called Conlath, Conlaeth, Conlaith, Conlaid, and Conlian. These names are also Latinized under various forms. The Martyrology of Donegal informs us, that Roincenn was his first name, and it states, that he descended from the race of Laeghaire Lore, son to Ugaine Mor. From this Laeghaire Lore, who was. monarch of Erin, the Leinster men are also descended.The earliest notices we can find regarding him gives us to understand, that St. Conleth lived the life of a recluse, and continued the occupant of a cell. This was situated, in a southern part of its plain, on the right bank of the River Liffey. We are informed, that besides his distinctive reputation for extraordinary sanctity, Conleth was also gifted with a prophetic spirit. Tradition has yet faithfully preserved that exact spot, where St. Conlath lived. It is known, now, as Old Connell, near the present town of Newbridge, and it is located in the county of Kildare. His former chantry lay less than a quarter of a mile from the River Liffey, on its southern and right bank. It presents every appearance—even in its dismantled and neglected state—of dating back to the most remote period of our ecclesiastical history.It is no easy matter to determine that exact spot, where the first interview between St. Conlaeth and St. Brigid took place. The most minute account of this meeting, remaining on record, is substantially as follows. A certain saint, whose proper name was Conlaidus, came to visit St. Brigid, from among a people, dwelling not far away from her ; as he had a great desire to have an interview with this holy and renowned Virgin. Having such a purpose in view, Conlaid set out in his chariot, and accompanied by a boy. On his arrival at St Brigid’s nunnery, all her sisters received this pious recluse, with the greatest possible respect and attention. According to the custom of those times, a warm bath had been prepared for their guest; then a banquet was served up, with all the accessories of a simple, yet hospitable entertainment. When these offices of charity and courtesy had been duly performed, St. Brigid received her pious visitor, and then brought her nuns, introducing them to their holy guest. All her sisterhood welcomed St. Conlaeth, with a kindly and cordial greeting. He remained with the religious community for some days. He piously instructed the nuns, through his edifying counsels, and he planted in their hearts those germs of Christian virtues, which were destined to bear fruit in abundance, when the Lord of the vineyard proposed to gather His harvest. Then, St. Conlaeth bade them adieu, and desired his chariot to be prepared, for a return to his own habitation. A boy in attendance was ordered to put their yokes on the necks of his horses. Before starting on this journey, however, the chariot-wheel became loose on its axle; yet, no danger was apprehended, for Conlaeth appears to have been unaware of this fact, at the time of parting from St. Brigid. This illustrious abbess came out from her nunnery, to take leave of him, when he had ascended the vehicle. Conlaeth then asked her to extend her holy hand, and to bestow her blessing on him, that so he might felicitously prosecute his journey. The sainted Abbess gave both himself and companion her blessing, with a sign of the cross. The pious recluse discovered, afterwards, how fortunately he had escaped from accident. Although a wheel was loose on its axle, the chariot nevertheless bore himself and his attendant safely to the end of their journey. On alighting from the vehicle, St. Conlaeth gave heartfelt thanks to God. He likewise extolled the merits of St. Brigid, to whose blessing he attributed this almost miraculous preservation.These incidents are briefly related, in the Third and Fourth Lives of St. Brigid. In these Acts, it is said, that the attendant of Conlaeth, when yoking the chariot, forgot to place the rosetae as a security against the movement of the wheels. Thus, it may be seen, how the holy eremite had been enabled to return home, under circumstances of more than ordinary difficulty and danger. The route of St. Conlaeth homewards lay probably across that well-known plain, denominated the Curragh of Kildare, now deemed the finest common in Europe, and containing three thousand acres of land.In the Life of St. Tighernach, it is related, that a certain nobleman, of Leinster origin, who was named Cormoc, had adopted him for a foster-son. Soon afterwards, taking his youthful charge, as the companion of his journey, that chief prepared for a return towards his home ; but, on their way, both entered Kildare, the city of St. Brigid. This holy virgin intimated to her nuns, as distinguished guests were about to visit their house, that they should cordially and hospitably receive those visitors. St. Brigid met them, and taking the infant gently into her arms, she called him by the name of Tygernach, at the same time, declaring him to have descended from a royal pedigree. She asked St. Conlaid, or Collaid, the bishop, to baptize him. After this event, the foster-father with his adopted son went to his own place,where he carefully tended the child.It is expressly stated, in the Fourth Life of St. Brigid, that this holy virgin selected St. Conlaeth to be the first bishop over her newly established city of Kildare. It is probable, this pious man lived in retirement, not far from the place. This circumstance, connected with his first introduction to St. Brigid, her influence with other Irish bishops, as likewise his own great virtues and merits, may have contributed to point him out, as one eminently suited to fill the position to which he was elevated. There can hardly be a doubt, regarding St. Conlaeth having been the first prelate over that See, notwithstanding some statements of certain writers, that other persons had there preceded him, in such an office. According to these, Lon, or Lonius, had been the first bishop there ; Ivor, or Ibhar, was the second prelate ; and then Conlius or Conlaeth succeeded as the third. By most of our early ecclesiastical writers, we are told, that Conlaeth was an illustrious man, adorned with every virtue, and that the Almighty had been pleased to effect great wonders through him. He appears to have been called from his solitude, almost immediately after his first interview with St. Brigid, to receive episcopal unction and jurisdiction over the newly-established See of Kildare. A great increase in the number of applicants for admission to St. Brigid’s religious institute, at this venerable spot, as also the increasing size and population of a rising city, required the presence and ministrations of a bishop, in the opinion of its renowned Abbess.Conlaeth is expressly called first bishop of Kildare, by Cogitosus; and, it is evident, from this same writer’s words, there neither was, nor could have been, a bishop in that place before his time. Until the period of Conlaeth’s appointment, or a short interval before, it is probable, there had hardly been a house on the present site of Kildare; nor was a bishop required, until the formation of a new town, and the establishment of a local religious institute, required his supervision and residence. It is probable, the new See had not been erected, for at least a few years after the foundation of St. Brigid’s nunnery, and not earlier than a.d. 490. The Cathedral of Kildare is said to have been first founded by St. Conlian, in the year of Christ 503, and to have been dedicated to St. Brigid. This is an assumption, however, for which no certain data can be fixed. It is likely enough, St. Brigid exerted herself with a corresponding zeal and energy, in the erection of its first church ; but, this had not been dedicated to her memory, at least during the lifetime of St. Conleth.We know, that St. Brigid survived him for a few years. Over the convents of St. Brigid, which were established throughout Ireland, St. Conleth and his successors in the See of Kildare, are said to have exercised a special jurisdiction. Yet, regarding this matter, our historians seem to have supplied no conclusive evidence. In the opinion of some writers, before this bishop’s appointment to Kildare, its religious institution had been attended, in manifold capacities, by a priest named Natfroich, also called her charioteer. This priest remained with St. Brigid all his lifetime, as a spiritual companion or chaplain to the holy Abbess, which office he is thought to have discharged, under the episcopacy of St. Conlaeth. Whilst at their meals, it was apart of Natfroich’s duty, to read for St, Brigid and her nuns, in their refectory. He probably attended her, moreover, on many of those important journeys undertaken to serve the interests of her religious order.The pious Conlaeth has been represented, as officiating in the double capacity both of Abbot and Bishop – this is probably to be explained, by regarding him as having charge—at least for some time—over a community of monks at Old Connell, after he had been appointed to preside over the See of Kildare. We are not informed, by whom he had been consecrated bishop ; but, it is probable, that a sufficiently numerous attendance of bishops honoured the occasion of his investiture bytheir presence. St. Fiach of Sletty, the principal bishop of Leinster, with Ibar and Erc, and perhaps Maccalleus—all friends of St. Brigid — were then living. It is supposed, also, that St. Bronus, of Cassel-Irra, mentioned in some of her Lives, and who seems to have paid her a visit while she was in Connaught, might have come to Leinster, at this time. As he is said to have owed the exculpation of his character, from a charge brought against him in the presence of many bishops, and before a great assembly, to the kind interposition and miraculous powers of St. Brigid ; no doubt, he would have wished to manifest his attention and gratitude towards her, if time and opportunity allowed him to assist at this consecration of St. Conlaeth.In the Acts of St. Brigid, it is related, that certain poor persons came to the holy Abbess asking for alms, at a tune when she had nothing to bestow, except vestments, used by St. Conlaeth, for celebration of the holy sacrifice of Mass. These vestments, which were in her custody, she gave them ; and, when the holy bishop approached to offer up the sacrifice of propitiation at the usual time, he declared it would not be practicable to consecrate the body and blood of Christ without his vestments, which were missing. St. Brigid prayed to God with great fervour. The Almighty was pleased to reward her charity, by the performance of a wonderful miracle. As a special gift of heaven, vestments, exactly resembling those given away, appeared immediately, and these the bishop assumed. All, who were cognizant of the circumstance, gave thanks to God. We are told, in the two first Lives of St. Brigid, that those vestments were of various colours, and that they had been procured from Italy. They were generally worn by St. Conlaeth, on Sundays and on festivals of the Apostles. It is also said, that those vestments used—after the former ones had been bestowed on the poor—were brought to Bishop Conlaeth, in a two-wheeled chariot. Such accounts as the foregoing, taken from the acts of our ancient saints, frequently serve to illustrate former social usages and habits of life, at least during and before the period when the biographer wrote.

    It has been very satisfactorily shown, that the goldsmith’s and lapidary’s art had been brought to great perfection, at a very early period, in Ireland. Indua, St. Conleth, had probably been a worker in metals before his religious retirement, for he was distinguished as St. Brigid’s ” chief artificer,” according to a gloss on the Felire Oengus. The word Indua denotes an artist in gold, silver, and other metals. Ancient Irish ecclesiastics of the highest rank considered it a suitable occupation, to work as artificers in the manufacture of reliquaries, shrines, pastoral staffs or croziers, bells, covers for sacred books, and other ornaments, suitable for churches and for their minsters.

    The authority of a Scholiast on the Felire of St. Oengus makes Ronchend the first name of Chondlaeid or Candla and he was called Mochonda of Daire, according to the same writer. It seems very probable, that the Daire alluded to must be identified with the present Kildare. From the foregoing statements, it would appear, that Machonda, Rondchend, Condlaed, or Candla, is one and the same person. It is stated, also, that this bishop of Kildare’s name stands for Cundail Aedh, rendered “Aedh the Wise.” Classed among St. Patrick’s disciples—perhaps it should be more accurate to say contemporaries— is Coeltan, or Conlaid, Bishop of Kildare. Without suificient evidence, it has been asserted, that St. Conleth had previously visited either Italy or Brittany, and had brought from there those ecclesiastical variegated vestments, to which allusion has been already made. That success attending the first attempts of St. Conlath, in diffusing a knowledge of the Gospel, must have been as gratifying to St. Brigid’s heart, as it was profitable to the eternal well-being of our pagan progenitors, in the district where he desired to labour. However, he chose rather to live and serve God in retirement.

    In his Life of St. Brigid, Cogitosus does not expressly name the anchorite, who was selected by the abbess of Kildare, to undertake as bishop the spiritual care of her church. It seems evident, that Conleth was the prelate here alluded to, for he was contemporary with the holy virgin. The subsequent part of the narrative, however, removes any doubt on the subject. St. Conleth is not only styled a bishop, but a prophet of God, by two other writers of her Acts and, he is expressly named Conlianus, who was chosen by her, as the first bishop, for her city at Kildare.

    ..We have now traced St. Conleth’s imperfectly known Acts, through some changing years of his venerable life. Let us next consider the mysterious workings of Providence, at the close of his existence. Virtuous labours and a useful missionary career were brought to a term, by a doleful and violent —yet not by an unprovided or untimely—death, if we are to credit somewhat remote accounts. The most reliable record we have been able to meet with, regarding St. Conleth’s death, is given in the celebrated Feilire Tract of St. Oengus the Culdee, and which is contained in the old Manuscript, called the Leabhar Breac. There only the most simple allusion is made to his death, at the 3rd of May, with a eulogium, that he was “a fair pillar”. A scholiast on this passage, however, undertakes to explain more particularly the cause and manner, as also the exact locality, of Conlaid’s end. He mentions a journey Conleth was about making to Rome, against the persuasion of St. Brigit, who was presumed to have a prophetic forecast of its failure and fatal termination. He would not be dissuaded from his purpose, however, and this act of disobedience towards the holy Brigid is said to have been the cause of an accident on the way. The Rev. Dr. Todd deems the holy bishop probably felt a natural desire to revisit Rome, to procure a new set of pontifical vestments, for the more solemn celebration of Divine service; the former ones having been bestowed, as an alms, on behalf of the poor. He thinks, also, St. Conlaed’s artistic skill and taste may have formed a strong motive with him, to visit Rome, even in opposition to St. Brigid’s commands. The holy man seems to have journeyed onwards from his own place towards the sea. We are next informed, that wild hounds or wolves eat him at Sechai Condlad, at the side of Liamain, in Mag Laighen, or the plain of Leinster…

    There can be no reasonable doubt entertained, that the thickly wooded and wild mountainous districts, in the plains of Leinster, were at that time infested with wolves, lying in wait for lonely and adventurous travellers. Whatever may be thought concerning the mode and place for this saint’s death, we may take it for granted, the commentator has inserted an absurd popular tradition, which referred his violent end to a disobedience of St. Brigid’s wishes, and especially to her prayers.. Probably, we may find the rationale of the foregoing account, and it may consist solely in these facts ; viz., that for special good reasons of his own, St. Conleth may have designed a journey to Rome ; that St. Brigid might have warned him of danger to be apprehended on the way, especially if he undertook the journey without sufficient protection, or alone; and that the sad event of death, occurring in the manner described, fully justified her prescience, her fears and her warnings. The year for this latter occurrence was 519, in the sixteenth year of King Muircheartach’s reign, according to the Annals of Ulster, and of the Four Masters. The Annals of Tighernach refer his death to the year 520. St. Conleth’s remains are said to have been at first buried in Killeen Cormac. It would appear, however, that the bones—and probably other relics—of St. Conlaeth, had been recovered and conveyed to the former place of his abode. No doubt, St. Brigid took special care, that his sacred remains should be interred or enshrined, with all that religious reverence and honour, due to the distinguished virtues and merits of her holy bishop and counsellor.

    We are told, by Cogitosus that his remains were interred, near the high altar of the great church at Kildare; and, in the year 799, according to the Annals of Ulster, the relics of Conlaid or Conlaoi were placed in a shrine of gold and silver. Under the year 836, it is recorded, that the Danes plundered and burned the noble abbey and churches at Kildare, taking with them the rich shrines of St. Brigid and of St. Conleath. In a previous part of this biography, it may be seen, that such an account apparently conflicts with a local tradition. However, it is possible, a translation of St. Conlaeth’s remains may have taken place ; for, while some portions of his relics may have been preserved at Old Conall, other parts had possibly been enshrined at Kildare. It is probable, that this reliquary had been destroyed or removed, during one of the Danish or northern incursions, with which this city had been frequently visited. But, the foregoing object of art, with its much prized contents, had been long preserved and exposed, for the admiration and veneration of Christians at Kildare. The place where he lived, Old Connell—known too as Condail of of the Kings—was under the special patronage of St. Conleath. Possibly, a considerable portion of his relics were preserved in it; for, according to local tradition, his remains were deposited within the cemetery.

    All our Irish Martyrologists place his festival, at the 3rd of May, the date assigned for his death. In the Metrical Martyrology of St. Oengus the Culdee, and known as the Feilire-Oengus, at this date, and when recording his death, it is stated: Bas Conlaid, cain-aige, ” The death of Condlaid, beautiful pillar.” The name of this holy bishop is written Roncend, in the Martyrology of Tallagh, at the 3rd of May. This Roncend is not a distinct saint from Conleth, who is venerated on this day, and whose first name, as we have already seen, was Roincenn. We read, in the Martyrology of Donegal, likewise, that a festival was celebrated, in honour of Roincenn, on this day.

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  • Saint Brigid of Kildare, February 1

    February 1 is the feast of the patroness of Ireland, Saint Brigid of Kildare. Most of the materials relating to Saint Brigid published on my previous blog, Under the Oak, have now been archived here. Below is a new post taken from the collection of Irish saints’ lives by Father Albert Barry. The writer relies heavily on the hagiographical record and thus presents a wonderful account of all of the most famous miracles and incidents from the life of Saint Brigid:

    SAINT BRIGID was born at Foughart (near Dundalk) in the year 449. Her father was Dubthach, and her mother was Broetsech. She was very holy, and worked miracles even in her youth. The young maiden was sent one day to a neighbouring house for meadh for her sick nurse, but got none. She filled her pitcher with water from a well on her way home, and this water became sweet meadh; and when her nurse drank it she became well.

    Her parents wished her to wed one of the many noble youths who sought to marry her; but she longed to give herself to God in the religious state, and answered like Saint Agnes: “I am betrothed to Him who has angels for his servants.” Her brothers met her one day as she was going to help a poor family. The eldest said roughly to her: ” Why do you wander about in this way instead of staying at home? You are unwilling to do the bidding of your father, and cling stubbornly to your own will: you lead a life of virginity to the dishonour and loss of your kindred; but we will overcome your wilfulness, and get you a husband, and thus get friends for our family.” The others, however, moved by her gentle bearing, said: “It is not right to persecute our sister in this way: she has chosen the better part: let her serve God as she likes: and let us not bring guilt on our souls.” The holy dove thus got free from the clutches of her headstrong brother.

    Brigid got the religious veil in the year 467 from Bishop MacCaille, in Uisneach Midhe (W. Meath). “She henceforth”, as an ancient writer says, “led a very holy life, helping the needy in all their wants. She was very modest and humble, never looking on the face of a man, given to fasting, prayer, and good works, spotless and patient, and gladly doing the will of God at all times. She was a consecrated shrine to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, a temple of God; her heart and mind were the throne of the Holy Ghost, and she shone brightly by her miracles. As a dove amongst the birds, as a vine amongst the trees, as the sun amongst the stars, so was she amongst other women; she helped all who were in distress and danger, healed sickness and kept the angry fury of the sea within bounds. She is the Mary of Ireland.”

    “She looked not on the face of man:
    Nor husband had; nor brother:
    But where she passed the children ran,
    And hailed that Maid their mother.

    O Saint, the favourite of the poor,
    The afflicted, weak, and weary:
    Like Mary’s was that face she bore,
    Men called her Erin’s Mary.”

    A. DE VERE.

    Seven maidens, who had consecrated themselves to Jesus Christ, came and lived with her, and walked blameless before God under her skilful guidance. The holy Bishop MacCaille one day made a feast for them. As soon as they had sat down Brigid said: “Father, first feed our souls with spiritual food.” He then spoke on the eight Beatitudes. When he had ended, she said: “My beloved sisters, we are eight in number, and eight virtues are set before us, let each of us choose one of them.” She herself chose Mercy. She henceforth began her meals with the Word of God.

    Saint Brigid met Saint Patrick soon afterwards, and heard him preaching. Whilst he was preaching she seemed to be asleep. Saint Patrick, after his sermon, said to her: “Tell aloud what you saw in sleep.” She answered: “I had this vision: I saw a herd of white oxen amid ripe corn: and then mottled oxen: then black ones: then sheep and swine: and lastly, wolves and dogs fighting.” Saint Patrick said: “That vision foreshadows the future state of this land.”

    Brigid worked many miracles during her lifetime. Jesus Christ had said: these wonders shall follow after those who have faith: they shall cast out devils in My Name: they shall speak with new tongues: they shall take up serpents: and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall get better. This promise was fulfilled in this holy Virgin, who was full of faith, whose conversation was in heaven, and who was destined by God to be the Patroness of Ireland.

    Brigid went to Anghaile, County Longford, where the O’Fearghails dwelt, and stayed in a convent of holy virgins. As soon as she went into it the Nuns washed her dust-stained feet, and then poured the water on the limbs of a Nun who was a cripple, and she at once became well. A woman came one day to the convent, bringing a basket of ripe apples from her orchard as a gift for Brigid. A leper was lying on the ground near the door. Brigid said to the woman: “Give some of these apples to that poor leper.” The woman answered: “I brought them for you and your Nuns, and not for lepers.” Brigid said to her: “Your trees shall not bear fruit again.” The woman, on her return home, found her trees withered, and they never bore fruit again.

    Brigid then went home with her Nuns. As they were driving along the road they saw a man with his wife and child working hard in a field under the scorching summer sun. Brigid looked with pity at them as they went about bent beneath their heavy loads in the sweltering heat, and bade the driver of her chariot unyoke the horses and give them to the man to help him at his work. She and her Nuns meanwhile sat down on the roadside. She said to a Nun: “Dig a little in the earth, and a stream of water shall flow; some men are coming, and they shall need to drink.” When the Nun had dug a little in the earth a clear stream of water bubbled up and began to flow along the dusty road. A throng of men, on foot and on horseback, followed by a Chieftain in his chariot, soon afterwards came in sight. They ran at once to the well to slake their thirst. When the Chieftain had learned what Brigid had done he made her a gift of his horses, and then went on his way thanking God and his holy spouses.

    She worked another miracle at this time. Two British wayfarers, knowing her great holiness, said to her: “We are sick and suffer much; we beg you to heal us.” She answered: “Go into the house, and you shall there get food and drink; and I meanwhile will pray to God in the Church for you.” But they said roughly to her: “You heal your own countrymen when they are sick, and you will not do anything for us who are strangers.” She said nothing; but, going into the church, got holy water, and then coming out sprinkled them with it, and they were at once healed. Some pagans, who were standing near, when they saw this miracle, were converted.

    Brigid built a monastery in the year 484 in a meadow amid wide-spreading oak trees, and many maidens flocked to that holy house and strove to walk in her footprints. It was called Cill-dara.

    “In woods of Oriel-Leinster’s vales,
    Her convent home she planted,
    And Erin’s cloistered nightingales,
    Their matins darkling chanted.”

    A. DE VERE.

    Her religious family was spoken of with respect far and wide; and the church of Cill-dara became a place of pilgrimage for all the Irish. Saint Broegan writes: “She was a ladder to heaven for very many souls, and was called by all the chaste Head of the Nuns of Erin.”

    “Saint Brigid is the mother, all men know,
    Of Erin’s Nuns that have been or shall be,
    From great Saint Patrick’s time to that last day
    When Christ returns to judge the world with fire!
    Her life was full of miracles.”

    A. DE VERE.

    Cuinnen of Conneire writes: “Brigid of the blessings loved ceaseless penance beyond womanhood, watching, and early rising, and hospitality to holy men.” She was wont to go forth from the convent on winter nights with another Nun, and to stand, with scanty clothing, for hours, in bitterly cold water, praying and reciting the Psalms.

    Brigid had many visions at this time. She one day saw men clothed in white garments hard at work ploughing the fields throughout the whole island, whilst other men sowed good seed in the furrows. She then saw men clad in black garments, ploughing and uprooting the growing seed. An angel said to her: “The workmen in white garments are Saint Patrick and his holy disciples; the men in black garments are teachers who shall come towards the end of time: they shall uproot the Gospel seed.”

    The Chieftains were ever fighting, like angry dogs, against one another. There was peace, however, wherever Brigid dwelt. Although, as an old writer says, “the whole island was a trembling sod” on account of the endless wars waged by the clans, no blood was ever shed in the neighbourhood of Cilldara during the lifetime of the holy Virgin. Many Chieftains fled to her for shelter, and the monastic church of Cilldara was looked on by all as a safe sanctuary and city of refuge. An ancient writer says: “The veiled Virgin, who drives over the Curreach, is a shield against sharp weapons. No one was found equal to her but Mary: let us put our trust in our Brigid.”

    A Chieftain, dwelling near the convent, came one day to see the holy Virgin, and, when he was leaving, got her blessing. He went home full of gladness. Whilst he was sleeping in his rath that night, a man, who bore him a deadly hate, broke into his dwelling, and, stealing on tip-toe into his bedroom, stabbed him with his own sword, which was hanging at the head of the bed. He drove it deeply into his body, and then fled, thinking he had killed him. The Chieftain screamed, and the inmates of the house rushed in and found him covered with blood. It turned out, however, that he was only slightly wounded. The Chieftain thereupon said to the bystanders: “Do not bewail what has happened, for the blessing which I got to-day from Brigid has saved my life.” He went early the next morning to thank her, and also gave her many gifts for herself and her Nuns. Brigid coaxed him to forgive the man who had striven to kill him, and, after some time, the two men became friends through her entreaties.

    Brigid was very hospitable and kind to strangers and travellers, and always gave whatever she had to the needy. She was an eye to the blind, and a foot to the lame, and a mother to the poor. Her Nuns one day said to her: “Mother, you give away everything that God gives to us through the hands of charitable Christians; you leave nothing to us, but give all to the poor.” She answered: “Give earthly things to God, and He will give you in return both earthly and heavenly gifts.” A young man one day putting on the clothes of a beggarman came to the convent, and bent down, leaning on a stick, and heaving deep sighs, begged Brigid to give him a sheep as an alms. The holy woman gave a sheep to him. He came back next day and begged her to give him another. She gave it. He came back day after day, until he had got at last the whole flock. He then gave them back. When the holy Bishop Broon had come with some of his Priests to the convent, she took off their sandals, washed their feet, and gave them food and drink as long as they stayed there. She also gave them a rich gift when they were leaving, as she was wont to do whenever a guest was going away. God would not allow Himself to be outdone in generosity, and gave her power to multiply food and drink. Corn and meadh, when blessed by her, often wonderfully increased, like the oil in the house of the widow of Sarepta when blessed by the prophet Elias.

    [Saint Brigid wrote this Hymn,]
    “I would like the viands of faith and true piety: I would like the flails of penance to be in my house,
    “I would like the men of Heaven to be at my house.
    “I would like kieves of peace to be at their disposal:
    “I would like vessels of charity for distribution: I would like caves of mercy for their company.
    “I would like cheerfulness to be in their drinking: I would like Jesus also to be amongst them,
    “I would like the three Marys of illustrious renown: I would like the people of Heaven to be there from all parts.
    ” I would like to be a rent-payer to the Lord, that should I suffer distress, He would bestow a good blessing upon me.”

    Some holy virgins said one day to Brigid: “Mother, why do not water-cresses, on which holy men live, grow in this stream?” She answered: “They shall grow there in future.” She prayed all through the following night to God to work this miracle, and the banks of the stream were thickly covered with water-cresses the next morning.

    Bishop Mel came at this time to see Brigid, and stayed some days at Cilldara. He begged her to go with him to Tailten (Co. Meath) where Saint Patrick was then holding a synod. Whilst she was there she often spoke to Saint Patrick, and got great help from his teaching. He gave Priesthood to Natfraich, and gave him to her to be her chaplain. She then went back to Cill-dara. As Natfraich was one day driving her chariot, she asked him to give a spiritual discourse to herself and to the Nun who was seated by her side. He threw down the reins, and, turning round, spoke of spiritual things to them. The horses, suddenly taking fright, ran down a steep road overhanging a precipice; but they met with no hurt, having been protected by God.

    Nectan Mor, a Pictish King, having being driven from his kingdom by his brother Drust, came to see the holy Virgin, and begged her to pray for him, Brigid foretold to him that he would get back his kingdom, and that God would have mercy on him. It happened as she had foretold; and when he became King once more, he gave Abernethy to God and to her in the presence of her disciple, Saint Darlughdach, who sang Alleluia over the gift.

    The holy Bishop Ercc of Slaine (Co. Meath)  came to see her, and begged her to go with him to Desmumha (S.Munster). As they were going along the road Brigid said to him: “Show me with your hand, where your birthplace is.” He showed it to her, and, seeing that she had a sorrowful look, he said: “Why are you so sad?” She answered: “Because there is warfare now between your family and a neighbouring tribe.” The Bishop said: “I readily believe it, for they are very unfriendly to each other.” Brigid soon afterwards said to him: “Your friends have been beaten in battle and are flying from the field.” He afterwards learned that she had spoken the truth. They went through Hy-Failge and Eoganacht, and came to the rich plain of Feimin. Brigid worked many miracles there. Bishop Ultan wrote them in a book in the year 650. They arrived at length at the home of Bishop Ercc, near Dun Gurbhan, on the seashore. She then saw the southern ocean for the first time.

    She beheld the great sea slowly break on the shore,
    And her heart quickly beat as she list to its roar,
    For a vision it seemed of God on His throne,
    And deep awe filled her soul as she stood there alone.

    Brigid then turned her footsteps towards Aradha Cliach (Co. Limerick). She and her companions got food and shelter on their journey sometimes at the strongholds of Chieftains and sometimes at “houses of hospitality” built alongside the great roads at short distances from each other. They reached Aradha Cliach in a few days.

    Brigid stayed for some time in the golden plain of Aine (near Kilmallock). Whilst she was there she learned that a man was kept as a slave by the King of that country: She went into his rath, but did not find him at home. His foster-father and his children, however, were there. Brigid seeing harps hanging on the wall said to them: “Play for us on your harps.” The young men said to her; “The harpers are, not here, they have gone out on the highway.” A man who was with Brigid then said to them in fun: “Play yourselves on the harps for us, and Brigid will bless your hands so that you may be able to play: do whatever she bids you to do.” They answered: “We will play: let her bless us.” They then took hold of the harps in their hands and began to play. The King heard the music as he drew nigh to the house and asked: “Who is playing?” He learned what happened, and, going in, begged Brigid to bless him also. When she had blessed him she said: “Do you now in turn give freedom to the man who is in chains.” He gave the man his freedom at her request. Brigid then went back to Cill-dara, and soon afterwards heard of the death of Bishop MacCaille, at Cruach-an-Bri Eile (Croghan) in the year 489.

    Saint Conladh, a hermit living in Magh-Liflfe, came to Cill-dara in the year 490, and soon afterwards became Bishop there. He once gave some rich vestments as a gift to Brigid, “but she” as Saint Broegan writes, “gave to the poor even these rich vestments which Bishop Conladh had used when offering the Sacrifice on the festivals of the Lord.” Saint Conladh died in the year 519.

    Brigid and a blind Nun sat side by side, speaking of God and of heaven, one evening as the sun was sinking in the west. The night wore on whilst they were speaking, and daybreak came. The bright morning sun stood on the hilltops, and turned earth and sky to gold. When Brigid saw the fields and trees glittering in the sunshine and sparkling with dew, she felt sad at heart at the thought that her beloved friend could not behold “the beauty of heaven with its glorious show,” and she prayed to the God who had made the sun to give light to her eyes. She then laid her fingers gently on the sightless eyeballs, and the Nun at once was able to see. She feasted her eyes for a long time on the blue sky, the bright flowers, and the green meadows, gleaming with sunlight, and thanked God with her whole heart. Withdrawing her eyes from the lovely scene, and looking at Brigid, she said: “Mother, shut my eyes again, for I fear lest the better I am able to see earthly things the less I shall be able to see heavenly things” Brigid yielded to her wish, and she became blind for evermore.

    Brigid was now always living in thought in heaven. Saint Broegan writes: “Brigid never loved the world, and her thoughts were ever in heaven. She overflowed with faith. She never spoke ill of anyone. She was kind-hearted and charitable, and had no care but for God alone, and God worked more wonders through her than through anyone else. She showed the same love to all, to the servants as well as to her spiritual daughters, to
    beggars, and to the sick.”

    “Bridget never turned away her mind from the Lord, even for one hour, but was ever thinking of Him in her heart and mind. She spent her time diligently serving the Lord, doing wonders and miracles, healing every sickness, until she gave up her soul to heaven.” (Annals of Ireland.)

    When Brigid, soon after she had become a Nun, was one day driving, she saw a giddy youth running wildly along the road. She sent one of the Nuns to fetch him. He would not come to her at first, but the Nun at length coaxed him to go to her. Brigid said to him, as he stood abashed before her: “Whither were you running?” The giddy boy began to laugh, and answered: “I was running towards the kingdom of Heaven.” Brigid said to him: “Would that I were worthy to run with you to-day towards the kingdom of God: pray for me that I may go to that blissful land.” The boy answered: “Saint, pray to God that I may go straight to heaven; and I will pray in turn that you may have everlasting happiness, along with many others” Brigid said to him: “I shall get the Body and Blood of my Lord Jesus Christ from your hand when I am dying.” The boy answered: “Would that you might live long enough to get Communion from me.” He then went away. But Brigid prayed much for him, and he thenceforth led a very holy life, and carefully kept that hand stainless which was to give the last sacraments to the holy Virgin. He was therefore called Ninnidhlamh-glan, Ninnidh of the stainless hand. He became a Priest, and, sailing to Britain, did much good there during many years. He was now once more with Brigid at
    Cill-dara, for her holy life was drawing to an end.

    The snow-white rose whom Christ had made His bride in His blood was about to be planted in the heavenly garden of her Spouse: the busy bee that had been gathering honey during her whole lifetime, was going to where it was stored in the city of God: the wise and faithful Virgin was going forth to meet the divine Bridegroom with the lamp of grace burning brightly in her soul: she was going to drink for ever of the water of life, and to eat for ever of the tree of life. Brigid, the Queen of the South, the Mary of the Irish was dying surrounded by angels, and by her Nuns. She died a holy and happy death, February 1st, in the year 523.

    Her body was buried in the Church, and the Nuns, as Bishop Edmund O’Dwyer writes, kept a fire burning day and night before it: “The hearth burns with Brigid’s unceasing fire, and the ashes do not increase: it is the emblem of her loving soul.” The bodies of Saint Conladh and of Saint Brigid were afterwards placed, one on the right and the other on the left of the altar, in shrines adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones: and golden crowns were hung overhead.

    The relics of the holy Virgin were taken away when the Danes made an inroad into Hy-Failge, in the year 835. Bishop de Burgo writes: “I saw the head of St. Brigid, the Patroness of Ireland, in the year 1770 in the chapel dedicated to her in the Church of Saint John Baptist, at Lumiar, near Lisbon. Her Office and Mass are celebrated February 1st, and the members of the Sodality founded in her honour assist at them. Sheep and cows are brought there to be blessed.” — Hibernia Dominicana.

    Saint Brigid was honoured for many ages in the Irish Church as the special Patroness of ecclesiastical students.

    Rev. Albert Barry, Lives of Irish Saints (Dublin, n.d.), 1-18.


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  • Saint Blath of Kildare, January 29

    On January 29 the Irish calendars commemorate Saint Blath, or Blathnait. The Martyrology of Donegal records:

    29. A. QUARTO KAL. FEBRUARII. 29.
    BLATH, Virgin.
    and the table of the Martyrology gives the Latin version of her name:
    Blath, virgin (Flora V)….. 29 Jan.
    Blath is the Irish word for ‘flower’, and so the Martyrology of Gorman makes a pun by recording her as ‘blooming Blath’. Her name is thus Latinized as Flora. 
    The notes to the Martyrology of Oengus also simply record her name for this day, but in the notes for the feast of Saint Brigid on February 1st we find that Saint Blath was a member of the monastic household of Kildare, where she had the role of cook. The stories of Saint Brigid often have a domestic aspect to them and the miracle of Loch Lemnachta  is a classic example:

    Eight bishops came to Brigit out of Hui Briuin Cualann, i.e. From Telach na n-epscop to Loch Lemnachta beside Kildare on the north. Brigit asked her cook, Blathnait, whether she had food for the bishops. Dixit ilia non. Brigit was ashamed: so the angel told her to milk the cows again. The cows were milked and they filled the tubs, and they would have filled all the vessels in Leinster, so that the milk went over the vessels and made a lake thereof, unde Loch Lemnachta ‘New-milk Lough’ dicitur.

    In his survey of the monasteries of Ireland, Mervyn Archdall assigned the repose of Saint Blath to the same year that he believed her mistress also departed:
    523. Died Saint Blatha, or Flora, cook to Saint Brigid.

    but he does not expand on the reasons for doing so.

    As not a great deal has been recorded about the life of Kildare’s saintly cook, I thought it might be interesting to have a look at Saint Blath’s domain – the monastic kitchen:
    Domestic arrangements are mentioned incidentally in the texts. A monastery usually had a kitchen separate from the refectory, and this was where the food was prepared. Meat had to be dried and salted. We know very little about how the Irish obtained their salt, although it was an essential commodity, and a lump of salt was an attractive present. It could have been obtained from sea-water by a process of evaporation, but there is some evidence that seaweed was collected and burned and the salty ashes used in curing meat. The monastic kitchen seems to have had no oven, and pottery is rare from excavated Irish sites except in the north-east. Dough for the bread was kneaded in wooden troughs and then baked on a griddle or baking flag, and bullauns which are often found on sites may have been used for grinding and preparing food. A cauldron, suitable for stews, was a luxury article, whilst meat might be roasted on spits or boiled in water heated by hot stones: clay pits or wooden vats could be used for this purpose.
    K. Hughes and A. Hamlin, The Modern Traveller to the Early Irish Church (London, 1977), 44.

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