This past Wednesday, February 1st was the feast of St. Bridget of Kildare the first Irish-born to be canonized a saint of the church. Born around 450, she felt called to dedicate her life to God as a nun at age 15. She was thought to be an attractive young woman and when her father sought to arrange a comfortable marriage for her, she prayed that her beauty would disappear. Legend has it she received the pox which disfigured her face and turned off her suitor. Her beauty returned years later when she made her final vows as a nun. Bridget is remembered for her strong spiritual leadership, becoming the abbess of a monastery for women and also for men, something unheard of in her time. She was also famous for her generosity to the poor, offering food and her special libation, beer to all who came to her. St. Bridget is the patron saint of babies, children whose parents are not married, dairy workers, farmers, Ireland, midwives, nuns, poets, printers, and sailors. Her feast day is now a national holiday in Ireland.
She is also the patron saint of our parish! Please join us for a special parishcelebration at 6:00 pm on February 4th following our Saturday Mass. Soft drinks and beer will be served! This is an opportunity to celebrate the gift of our St. Bridget Parish family which has gathered in Laurelhurst for some 55 years. I offer my deep thanks to all who have shared their faith, hope, and love in any way with us over our history. Here’s to the life of Christ that God calls us to share moving forward as “Partners in the Gospel.”
Bridget, 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 reverence all God has made. Bridget, 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.
St. Bridget of Kildare…pray for us! Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!