Life of St. Brigid, virgin : first abbess of Kildare, special patroness of Kildare Diocese, and general patroness of Ireland

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. St. Brigid's Inextinguishable Fire at Kildare

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 500–1200

   Giraldus Cambrensis records that St. Brigid's fire at Kildare had burned continuously from her time to the twelfth century, tended by twenty nuns and the abbess in rotation, surrounded by a hedge no man dared enter.

   Read the passage

   What is furthermore remarkable, from the time of St. Brigid and after her death until the twelfth century, an even number, including twenty nuns, and the abbess, had remained in Kildare nunnery. Each of these religious, in rotation, nightly watched this inextinguishable fire. On the twentieth night, having placed wood on its embers, the last nun said : " O Brigid, guard thy fires, for this night the duty devolves on thyself." Then the nun left that pyre, but although the wood might have been all consumed before morning, yet the coals remained alive and inextinguishable. A circular hedge of shrubs or thorns surrounded it, and no male person dare presume to enter within that sacred enclosure, lest he might provoke Divine vengeance, as had been ex perienced by a certain rash man, who ventured to transgress this ordinance. Women only were allowed to tend that fire. Even these attendants were not permitted to blow it with their breath ; but, they used boughs of trees as fans for this purpose. Young goats could not even penetrate the enclosure, through St. Brigid's miraculous intervention. At Kildare, also, were to be seen most beautiful plains, which were called St. Brigid's pastures, and no one dared disturb them with the plough.2? Besides, it was considered almost miraculous, although animals of all the surrounding districts grazed on these lands, 3° from the rising to the setting sun, on the following morning this herbage seemed luxuriant as ever.31 The same remarks well apply to the celebrated racing ground of the Curragh,32 in the nineteenth as well as during the twelfth century.

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   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Kildare now. Giraldus Cambrensis records that from St. Brigid's own time, through her death, and right on to the twelfth century, a fire burned here that was never put out. Twenty nuns and the abbess kept watch over it in nightly rotation. Each night one would tend the embers, and on the twentieth night the last nun would lay wood on the pyre and say, "O Brigid, guard thy fires, for this night the duty devolves on thyself," then leave. Even if the wood burned away before morning, the coals stayed alive. A circular hedge of thorns and shrubs ringed the fire, and no man dared enter that enclosure. One rash man did, and suffered for it. The women who tended the fire were not allowed to blow it with their breath; they used boughs of trees as fans instead. Even young goats could not get through the hedge, held back by Brigid's intervention. The plains around Kildare were called St. Brigid's pastures, and no one disturbed them with a plough. Animals from all the surrounding districts grazed there from sunrise to sunset, yet each morning the herbage was as lush as ever. The Curragh racing ground nearby was celebrated in the same way, both in the twelfth century and before.

2. Divine Punishment of the Archer at Kildare

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   An archer of Count Richard's family leapt over the sacred hedge at Kildare to blow on St. Brigid's fire and was struck mad, running through the town before dying after drinking incredible amounts of water.

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   It is mentioned, that a certain archer, belonging to Count Richard's family, had dared to leap over the hedge, and to blow with his breath St. Brigid's fire, at Kildare ; but, immediately he leaped back frantic, and whoever accosted him, this archer blew into the person's face, in like manner, while stating, that he had thus profaned the saint's sacred fire. In this demented state, he ran through houses of the whole town. Being seized and bound by his companions, he begged them to conduct him towards the first water they could meet, and here drinking an incredible quantity, he immediately ex pired. When another man had put his leg over the hedge, surrounding this fire, and had been suddenly drawn back by his companions, both his foot and thigh became withered. So long as he lived, that person remained lame and paralysed. 3J This, however, was not the only instance of Divine judg-

   talized, in some beautiful lines, written by Exigua tantum gelidus ros nocte reponet."

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, you are in a town where St. Brigid's sacred fire once burned inside a hedge. An archer of Count Richard's family dared to leap over that hedge and blow on the fire with his breath. He leapt back frantic, running through the houses of the whole town, blowing into the face of anyone who accosted him, declaring he had profaned the saint's fire. His companions seized and bound him, and he begged them to take him to the nearest water. There he drank an incredible quantity and died on the spot. Another man who merely put his leg over the hedge was pulled back by his companions, but his foot and thigh withered at once, and he remained lame and paralysed for the rest of his life.

3. Killing of St. Brigid's falcon at time of King John's departure

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   At the time of King John's departure from Ireland, the ancient falcon long regarded with pride by the Kildare people was killed by a rustic who struck it with his staff, an incident from which Giraldus Cambrensis drew a moral about the fragility of prosperity.

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   in an almost tame state, within the ecclesiastical buildings. The bird re mained always undisturbed by their pious inmates. At the time of King- John's departure from Ireland, this extraordinary bird of ages, and which had ever been regarded with pride by the Kildare people, was killed by a rustic. He struck it with his staff, whilst incautiously exposed to a fate, for which it seemed unprepared. From this incident, Giraldus Cambrensis draws the coiumon-place moral, that in the most prosperous condition of things, danger may be at hand, and that we should not trust life, which is daily exposed to mischances, however pleasant and agreeable may be our state.11

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   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Kildare town now. In the ecclesiastical buildings here, an ancient falcon lived in an almost tame state, undisturbed by the pious inmates who kept it. The bird was long regarded with pride by the Kildare people. At the time of King John's departure from Ireland, a rustic struck it with his staff and killed it, whilst it was incautiously exposed to a fate for which it seemed unprepared. Giraldus Cambrensis drew a moral from this: that in the most prosperous condition of things, danger may be at hand, and we should not trust life, which is daily exposed to mischances, however pleasant and agreeable our state may be.

4. St. Brigid's falcon at Kildare's round tower

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   A falcon reputed to be St. Brigid's bird was said to frequent Kildare from the saint's time to the twelfth century, perching atop the ecclesiastical round tower and chasing wild birds over the plain, retreating during breeding season to the mountains of Glendalough.

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   A curious story has been told about a falcon, which was thought to have frequented Kildare, and to have constantly taken its station on the very top of the ecclesiastical tower,9 from St. Brigid's time to the twelfth century. Wherefore, the people called it St. Brigid's bird, and held it in great venera tion. In the presence of some civilians and soldiers, this bird was seen chasing from air to earth some wild birds and water-fowl, over the plain of Kildare. It had been accustomed or trained to this sport. The bird would not allow any rival to remain about Kildare Church ; yet, at a certain season of the year, during breeding time, it was accustomed to retreat among the mountains of Glendalough.10 After the usual interval, it returned, nestling

   derable stream, which yet affords an excel- similarity in structure seems to point to the

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, there is a round tower here linked to a strange old story. From St. Brigid's own time right through to the 12th century, a falcon was said to frequent the town and take its station on the very top of the ecclesiastical tower. The people called it St. Brigid's bird and held it in great veneration. It was seen chasing wild birds and water-fowl over the plain of Kildare, and would not allow any rival to remain about the church. Yet at breeding time it was accustomed to retreat among the mountains of Glendalough, returning after the usual interval.

5. The Battle of Faughart, 14 October 1318

   Faughart · parish · Louth · 1318

   Edward Bruce fought his final, decisive battle at Foughart on 14 October 1318, after three years of campaigning in Ireland with eighteen prior victories. Despite his record, the English's great numerical superiority secured victory at Foughart from the first onset.

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   battle, which he fought on the i4th of October, A.D. 1318,'* at Foughart. * Many of his chieftains and soldiers, Irish and Scots, fell in this short but decisive conflict.2*6 Although during the course of three years,2*? pending which lie waged war in Ireland, Edward Bruce had encountered the English armies in eighteen successive and victorious battles,2*8 their great numerical superiority at the battle of Foughart caused victory to favour the arms ot England from the very first onset.2** From the south-west corner < church, and removed about four yards, the grave of Edward Bruce is shown.3 The authentication, however, is only sustained by a popular tradition. About the middle of the last century, St. Brigid's Stone, having a raised work about it in the form of a horse-shoe, was to be seen at Foughart. 3« In the middle was a rough rocky flint, on which with bared knees penitents were accustomed to kneel. Raised upon two circular and concentric steps was elevated St. Brigid's pillar. ^ Only the circular stones are now noticeable within the graveyard^ These are singularly suggestive of having been the base of a round tower. The burial-ground is well enclosed with a fine fence and a quick-set hedge of grown hawthorns. It rises high over the adjacent fields. North-west of the old church, and within the graveyard enclosure, is shown " St. Brigid's Well."3°4 It was dried up,3°s when visited

   And a thousand green islets, with foam

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6. Translation of Relics of St. Patrick, St. Bridget and St. Columba at Down

   near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1186

   Bishop Malachy discovered by vision the graves of St. Patrick, St. Bridget and St. Columba at Down and, with the sanction of Pope Urban III and the aid of John de Courcy, the relics were solemnly translated within the cathedral church on 9 June 1186.

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   while engaged in fervent prayer and within the church of his cathedral city, Malachy saw a ray of light, like a sun-beam, extending itself through the church.21 Finally, it settled over the graves of those inhumed saints. The bishop was exceedingly rejoiced at this vision, and he prayed more earnestly, that the ray of light might remain, until he had discovered the relics. Then rising, and having procured necessary implements, he went to the illuminated spot and dug beneath. In fine, he disinterred the bodies of the three saints. The tomb or grave of St. Patrick was fixed in a central cave or compartment, with the remains of St. Bridget and St. Columba, on either side.22 He then withdrew these precious relics, and placed them in three separate coffins. Afterwards, he buried them in that same spot, which he took care to mark with great exactness. Malachy related the particulars of his vision, to John de^Courcey, the conqueror of Down. This renowned warrior, being distin guished for his zeal in the cause of religion, concurred with the bishop, that a message should be despatched to Rome, with an humble supplication, addressed to the Sovereign Chief of the faithful, Urban III. His sanction, for a solemn translation of those relics, was requested. To this petition, Pope Urban assented, and immediately he despatched Vivian, Cardinal Priest of St. Stephen, as his Legate to Ireland. The public translation of the relics took place, on the gth of June, 1186, the festival of St. Columkille. With all due reverence and great solemnity, those remains were removed from the place of their deposition to a more conspicuous position, assigned for their reception, within the cathedral church.23 Fifteen bishops, many abbots, provosts, deans, archdeacons, priors, with other clergy and the laity, assisted on this solemn occasion. 2«

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7. The House of Fire at Kildare convent

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   St. Brigid's remains were first interred within the church of Kildare, where her nuns kept a fire perpetually burning in her memory, giving the convent the name House of Fire.

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   It seems sufficiently probable, that the remains of the venerable abbess were at first interred within the church of Kildare ; where her nuns for some ages, to honour her memory, kept a fire always burning. Hence, that con vent was called the House of Fire.12 It is supposed, that about A.D. 835, or probably before, when Kildare begun to suffer from the hostile Danish in cursions,^ the relics of our saint were removed to Down1-* for greater security, and to guard them from Pagan profanation. Here, they were deposed, with those of St. Patrick and of St. Columba. We can have little doubt, they were for a long time carefully preserved, and greatly honoured by the faithful. Yet, the Northmen frequently attacked, plundered, and burned this town. These ravages were continued, during the tenth, eleventh, and even the twelfth century.^ It seems probable, the harrassed townspeople were obliged, through motives of precaution, to remove and bury in the earth those precious remains consigned to their charge. Probably, the secret of their entombment had been confided, only to a few ecclesiastics, and these might have perished, during the tumults of that time. It would appear, that a tradition, regarding where the illustrious saints had been buried, passed out of popular recollec tion in Down,16 after the lapse of some centuries. What is still more aston ishing, a knowledge, concerning where St. Patrick's, St. Brigid's, and_ St. Columkille's relics had been deposed, was even obliterated, from the minds of the faithful, and in a city, where those holy persons were ever held in such extraordinary veneration.

   About the year 1185, '7 however, the first year of King John's arrival in Ireland,13 when Malachy III.1? was bishop over Down, this holy man was accustomed to offer up his prayers to God, that a discovery of the abovementioned saint's relics might be made by him.20 It so happened, one night,

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare town, you are near a place once called the House of Fire. The remains of Saint Brigid, the venerable abbess, were first interred within the church of Kildare. Her nuns kept a fire always burning there to honour her memory, and for some ages it never went out. That is what gave the convent its name. Around the year 835, or probably before, Kildare began to suffer from hostile Danish incursions. The relics of Saint Brigid were removed to Down for greater security and to guard them from pagan profanation. There they were deposited with the remains of Saint Patrick and Saint Columba. The faithful preserved them carefully and honoured them greatly for a long time. But the Northmen frequently attacked, plundered, and burned that town. These ravages continued through the tenth, eleventh, and even the twelfth century. The harassed townspeople were likely obliged, through caution, to remove those precious remains and bury them in the earth. The secret of their entombment was probably confided only to a few ecclesiastics, and those men might have perished during the tumults of that time. A tradition of where the saints had been buried passed out of popular recollection in Down after some centuries. What is more astonishing, knowledge of where Saint Patrick's, Saint Brigid's, and Saint Columkille's relics had been deposited was obliterated from the minds of the faithful, even in a city where those holy persons were held in extraordinary veneration. About the year 1185, the first year of King John's arrival in Ireland, Malachy the Third was bishop over Down. This holy man was accustomed to pray to God that a discovery of the saints' relics might be made by him. One night it so happened

8. Dubthach brings Brigid to King Dunlang's castle to be sold

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   Dubthach drove his daughter Brigid in a chariot to the castle of King Dunlang of Leinster, intending to sell her as a slave due to her charitable giving. While waiting, a poor man asked her for alms and she gave him her father's valuable sword, a gift from the King of Leinster.

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   mother represented a probability of his house being robbed by his own daughter, as she abstracted all the value it contained to enrich others, and this under the guise of piety. Thus, it was urged, while the maiden extended her bounty towards strangers, her own father was likely to be reduced to great poverty, unless he took suitable precautions against such a result. Hence, the step-mother reasoned, that prevention being better than cure, her husband should obviate this state of tilings, as it must prove vain to mend matters, when he must be in actual need. In order to prevent the absolute poverty of his family, advice was given to sell his daughter as a slave, and if he rejected this counsel, it was represented, he must soon experience those difficulties, attendant on a complete loss of property. ]5y these and similar arguments, the insidious woman wrought on her husband's mind, and in a short time, effecting the estrangement of his affections from the holy maiden, she excited prejudices against JJrigid. As it formerly happened, when the enemies of Daniel the Prophet represented him praying to God, in opposition to the king's edict ;'3 so was it now said, that the Saint gave alms for God's sake, but at the expense of her father. And, as Daniel had been delivered to the jaws of lions to be devoured, so was JJrigid about to be sold as a slave to strangers ; yet, since both were found faithful to God, therefore did the Almighty liberate them from a fate to which they had been respectively doomed. IJrigid's father, however, would only consent to sell his daughter to a king or chief, as being herself of noble birth. With this view, a chariot was prepared, which Dubtuch drove to the neighbouring castle, where his king, named Dunlang, then dwelt.'4 When he haul anived at this place, Dubtach left his daughter in the chariot without, vihile he entered the castle to pay his liege respects. After discoursing awhile on state a flairs and things of moment, their conversation was directed to less important topics. Dubtarh then added, that he had with him a virgin, who was to be sold, and that if it pleased the king to purchase her, there was every reason to believe she should not occupy the lowest place in his estimation among his other female servants. In reply to the king's inquiries, Dubtach acknowledged, also, that she was his own daughter. The king asked his reason for selling her, and was told, that her parents feared she should make him a poor man, since she abstracted all his worldly substance to bestow it on the poor.'s Thereupon, those who attended the king said : " The good report of this your daughter has reached all parts of Ireland, and raised her immeasurably in our estima tion ; and, it is very strange, that you her father should accuse her of being guilty, when all strangers concur in praising her." Whereupon, the king commanded her to be brought into his presence. We are told again, while Brigid s father delayed within his dynast's castle, a poor man came to ask alms from the daughter, when she presented him with her parent's sword.'6 Her father afterwards introduced Urigid to the king, but, on learning what she had done, Dubtach felt greatly concerned at the loss of his sword. This was one of great value, and the more prized, as it had been a present from the King of Leinster, whom he then visited. Dubtach ordered the mendicant to be followed, that his sword might be recovered. Then conducting his daughter to the king, the chief angrily complained about the loss he had

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, you are near where Dubthach once drove his daughter Brigid in a chariot to the castle of King Dunlang of Leinster. Her step-mother had persuaded Dubthach that Brigid would reduce the family to poverty, because she gave away everything she could to the poor. The step-mother argued that prevention was better than cure, and that he should sell Brigid as a slave before he lost all his property. By these arguments she estranged his affections from the maiden. Dubthach consented, but only to sell her to a king or chief, since she was herself of noble birth. A chariot was prepared, and Dubthach drove to the castle where King Dunlang dwelt. He left Brigid in the chariot outside while he went in to pay his respects. He and the king spoke of state affairs, then turned to other matters. Dubthach told the king he had a virgin with him to be sold, and that she should not occupy the lowest place among his female servants. The king asked why he would sell her, and Dubthach acknowledged she was his own daughter, saying her parents feared she would make him a poor man by giving all his substance to the poor. Those who attended the king said the good report of this daughter had reached all parts of Ireland, and it was strange her father should accuse her when all strangers praised her. While her father delayed within the castle, a poor man came to ask alms from Brigid, and she presented him with her father's sword. It was a sword of great value, the more prized because it had been a gift from the King of Leinster. When Dubthach learned what she had done, he was greatly concerned at the loss. He ordered the mendicant to be followed, that the sword might be recovered. Then he conducted his daughter to the king, and the chief angrily complained about the loss he had suffered.

9. Massacre of Royal Maidens at Claenfearta, Tara

   Tara · parish · Meath · 241

   During the reign of King Cormac, Dunlang, son of Enna Niadh King of Leinster, assaulted the royal seat at Tara, massacring thirty royal maidens and three hundred women servants at Claeniearta on the western slope of the hill, on Saman's day. King Cormac avenged this by executing twelve Leinster chiefs and increasing the Leinster tribute.

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   The Borumha Laighean or " Leinster cow-tribute"2^ was a fruitful source of warfare between the sovereigns of Ireland and the men of Leinster, not only before, but during and long after the lifetime of St. BrigicU0 From this irritating cause, probably originated most of those petty wars, carried on with such frequent and obstinate persistence for so many centuries. ^ The renowned warrior King of Ireland, Tuathal Teachtmhar,32 who is said to have fought no less than 133 battles in the different provinces, reigned thirty years,33 during the close of the first, and he was slain after the commence ment of the second century,34 A.D. io6,35 He is related to have imposed the degrading and oppressive Borumha, or cow tribute, on the Leinster peopled6 During the reign of King Cormac," son of Art, about A.D. 241, is recorded a great outrage, perpetrated or permitted by Dunlang, son to Enna Niadh, King of Leinster. He appears to have assaulted the royal seat at Tara, and on the western slope of the hill, at Claeniearta/8 where the apartments for females had been erected/9 thirty royal maidens/0 with three hundred women servants, had been massacred. This happened on Saman's day.-*1 To avenge this cowardly and cruel act/2 King Cormac ex ecuted, at the same time, twelve of the Leinster chiefs, who were thought or proved to be guilty of it, while he increased the Leinster tribute, which already was so very onerous. Yet, this annual exaction was impolitic, as it

   _ 2' There is a very curious Irish tract, in tituled, " Borumha Laighean," on the ori ginal imposition and final remittance of this impost, preserved in the Look of Lecan. Another copy of it may be found in a vellum manuscript, classed II, 2, iS, in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. A copy had been prepared for publication by the Irish Archaeological Society, but it has not yet issued from the press.

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10. St. Brigid's shrine and pilgrimage gatherings at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    St. Brigid's relics were placed in an ornate shrine beside the altar of her church at Kildare, opposite that of St. Conleath, and many miracles were reported there. On her festival day, multitudes flocked to Kildare from different provinces seeking healing, offering gifts, or witnessing ceremonies.

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    After death, our saint's relics were placed on one side of the altar in her church. 74 They were deposed in a monument, adorned with beautiful work manship, (lold and silver, superimposed, formed artistic decorations for her shrine, as also for that of St. Conleath.?3 This latter tomb occupied a posi tion on the other side of the principal altar. Many miracles were wrought before the shrine of our holy abbess, after her death.?6 It is related, that on her festival day, multitudes flocked to Kildare from different provinces ; some went to recover health through her intercession, others to offer gifts at her shrine, while some attended to witness magnificent ceremonies there per formed. Again, others were induced to be present through less devotional and more worldly motives." In such convocations, we may find probably, a prototype of the later " patrons," or " patterns/' so common in other parts of the country. It is incorrectly stated,?3 in the Fourth Life of St. Brigid, that immediately after her death, she was buried with great honour and solemnity in the' same tomb, with the most holy Archbishop Patrick.?"? It is

    lory, iii Archdall's " Monasticon Hiberni- » Colgan does not hesitate in his opinion,

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, you are in the town that held the shrine of St. Brigid. After her death, her relics were placed on one side of the altar in her church, in a monument adorned with gold and silver, with beautiful workmanship forming artistic decorations for her shrine. On the other side of the principal altar stood the tomb of St. Conleath. Many miracles were said to have been wrought before her shrine after her death. On her festival day, multitudes flocked to Kildare from different provinces. Some came to recover health through her intercession, others to offer gifts at her shrine, while some attended to witness the magnificent ceremonies performed there. Others were drawn by less devotional and more worldly motives. These gatherings were probably a prototype of the later patrons, or patterns, so common in other parts of the country. One account, in the Fourth Life of St. Brigid, stated that immediately after her death she was buried with great honour and solemnity in the same tomb with St. Patrick, but this is incorrectly stated.

11. Sunrise Over the Wicklow Mountains at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    St. Brigid sat with the blind nun Sister Dara at Kildare, and as they talked through the night, dawn broke with the sun rising from the Wicklow mountains, illuminating the earth. Brigid restored Dara's sight briefly so she could see the beauty before Dara asked to have her blindness restored.

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    No matter how far we may dissent from the details of various legendary narratives, we must admit the spell of a charming treatment and a sublime moral lesson in the following story, related almost in the words of an accom plished writer, alluding to St. Brigid/0 One evening, she sat with Sister Dara, or Dana,*1 a holy nun, who was blind,42 as the sun went down j and they talked of the love of Jesus Christ, and the joys of Paradise.43 Now, their hearts were so full, the night fled away whilst they spoke together, and neither knew that so many hours had sped. Then the sun came up from the Wicklow mountains, and the pure white light made the face of earth bright and gay. Bridget sighed, when she saw how lovely were earth and sky, and while she knew that Dara's eyes were closed to all this beauty. So she bowed her head and prayed. She extended her hand and signed the dark orbs of the gentle sister. Then the darkness passed away from them, and saw the golden ball in the east, while all the trees and flowers

    36 See this narrative in Abbate D, Giacomd rum Ecclesiarum," pp. 626 et seq. " There Certani's " La Santita Prodigiosa. Vita di was an Irish virgin ol that name and a com- S. Brigida Ibernese." Libro Sesto, pp. 549 panion oi St. Brtgid at Kiklare, who is mento 553. tioned in that same Founh Life, L. 2, C.

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, you are in the town where St. Brigid once sat with Sister Dara, a blind nun, as the sun went down. They spoke of the love of Jesus Christ and the joys of Paradise, and the night fled away while they talked, neither knowing how many hours had sped. When the sun rose from the Wicklow mountains and the pure white light made the face of earth bright and gay, Brigid sighed, knowing Dara's eyes were closed to all this beauty. She bowed her head and prayed, and signed the dark orbs of the gentle sister, and the darkness passed away so Dara saw the golden ball in the east and all the trees and flowers. But Dara asked to have her blindness restored, choosing what she had known over the beauty she had briefly seen.

12. The sacred oak tree gives Kildare its name

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    A large oak tree, a favourite of St. Brigid and blessed by her, grew on the spot chosen for her church; the first wattle church built there took the name Kildare, 'the cell of the oak,' and part of the tree's roots reportedly survived into later times.

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    site — now very much denuded of oak-*3 — was chosen by St. Brigid for her projected conventual establishment. The local proprietor of this soil and people living in the neighbourhood soon helped to provide a habitation for their future patroness and for her religious sisters. It has been asserted, the first church built there was constructed with wattles ;44 and, owing to the circumstance of its having nestled under or near the large spreading tree, it got the name Kildare,45 or " the cell of the oak."46 When the author of St. Brigid's Fourth Life lived, the roots, or part of the trunk, belonging to this venerable tree, remained.47 The adjoining plain of the Curragh is tradi tionally held to have been St. Brigid's pasture ground,48 to which she never prevented the neighbouring people from sending their cattle. w This is thought to have been the origin of what still constitutes the popular right of commonage. Various legendary stones connect St. Brigid and her nuns with its former proprietorship ; while, these are stated to have been engaged in the pastoral occupation of tending herds and flocks on its plains. Portions of the surface had probably been subjected to tillage, and this tract of land afforded means for enabling the community to procure a subsistence.50 The Round Tower at Kildare and the adjoining ruins probably represent the exact site of St. Brigid's early conventual establishment and of the church connected with it. The round tower is considered to be one of the finest specimens of its class, as well as one of the most highly ornamented in Ireland.51 The castellated top of the tower is modern. It is said there are sundry vestiges of ancient work about the site of Kildare, but that these are so incorporated with the buildings of Christian times, it is now difficult to distinguish them.52 At what particular period St. Brigid's establishment was

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Kildare takes its name from a large oak tree that once grew on this spot. St. Brigid chose this ground for her conventual establishment, and the local proprietor and neighbours helped build a habitation for her and her religious sisters. The first church there was made of wattles, and because it nestled under or near the great spreading tree, the place was called Kildare, meaning 'the cell of the oak.' When the author of St. Brigid's Fourth Life was writing, part of the trunk or roots of that venerable tree still remained. The adjoining plain of the Curragh is traditionally held to have been St. Brigid's pasture ground, and she never stopped the neighbouring people from sending their cattle there. That is thought to be the origin of the right of commonage that still exists. St. Brigid and her nuns are said to have tended herds and flocks on those plains, and portions of the surface were probably used for tillage to help the community subsist. The Round Tower at Kildare and the adjoining ruins likely mark the exact site of St. Brigid's early establishment and its church. The round tower is considered one of the finest and most highly ornamented in Ireland, though its castellated top is modern. Ancient vestiges are said to exist around the site, but they are so incorporated with later Christian buildings that they are now difficult to distinguish.

13. The Withered Limb at St. Brigid's Fire Enclosure

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Another man who put his leg over the hedge surrounding St. Brigid's fire at Kildare was pulled back by companions, and his foot and thigh withered, leaving him lame for life.

    Read the passage

    It is mentioned, that a certain archer, belonging to Count Richard's family, had dared to leap over the hedge, and to blow with his breath St. Brigid's fire, at Kildare ; but, immediately he leaped back frantic, and whoever accosted him, this archer blew into the person's face, in like manner, while stating, that he had thus profaned the saint's sacred fire. In this demented state, he ran through houses of the whole town. Being seized and bound by his companions, he begged them to conduct him towards the first water they could meet, and here drinking an incredible quantity, he immediately ex pired. When another man had put his leg over the hedge, surrounding this fire, and had been suddenly drawn back by his companions, both his foot and thigh became withered. So long as he lived, that person remained lame and paralysed. 3J This, however, was not the only instance of Divine judg-

    talized, in some beautiful lines, written by Exigua tantum gelidus ros nocte reponet."

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Kildare, near St. Brigid's fire enclosure, there's a story from the old Life of St. Brigid. An archer belonging to Count Richard's family dared to leap over the hedge surrounding the sacred fire and blow on it with his breath. He leaped back frantic, blowing into the face of anyone who accosted him, saying he had profaned the saint's fire. He ran demented through the houses of the whole town. His companions seized and bound him. He begged them to lead him to the first water they could find, and there he drank an incredible quantity and immediately expired. Then another man put his leg over the hedge around the fire and was suddenly pulled back by his companions. Both his foot and thigh withered. So long as he lived, that person remained lame and paralysed.

14. Death of Dathi and burial at Rathcroghan

    near Rathcroghan · monument · Roscommon · 428

    King Dathi was killed by a lightning stroke at the Alps while campaigning in France. His body was carried home and interred with military honours at Rathcroghan, his grave marked by a red pillar-stone.

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    Eochaidh, son of Enna Ceinnseallach, king of the province, for a pledge of their allegiance. This prince, however, contrived to escape from his guards, and followed the King of Ireland on a warlike expedition. At the sea, called Muir-n-Icht, between France and England, and supposed to have been situated near the site of the present Boulogne, the Prince of Leinster assas sinated the warlike Xiall, A.D. 405, after the latter monarch had reigned gloriously, during the term of twenty-seven years. Other accounts have it, that he was killed near the banks of the Loire. The posterity of this re nowned warrior were known as the northern and southern Hy-Niall, or descendants of Xiall. From this distinguished race, nearly all the kings of Ireland derive their origin down to the twelfth century. '5 Dathi, grandson of the former monarch of Ireland, Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin, succeeded. This prince was remarkable for activity of body and a spirit of military ad venture. He pushed his conquests with great success in the territories of France, where he was at length killed by a stroke of lightning at the Alps. His body was carried home to Ireland, and interred with military honours at .Rathcroghan, where his grave was marked by a red pillar-stone, according to the accounts contained in some old and trustworthy records.16 Dathi closed his reign of twenty-three years, A.D. 428. He was immediately succeeded by the last king who ruled over Pagan Ireland, Leaghaire,1? son to Xiall, the hero of the Xine Hostages. During his reign, the illustrious St. Patrick preached the Gospel in Ireland,'6 and it is probable, also, St. Brigid first saw the light. This monarch's chief engagements were fought with the people of Leinster. '5 When a reign of thirty years had been completed, Leaghaire, who does not appear to have embraced the Christian religion, died, A.D. 458. 20 He was succeeded by Oilioll Molt,21 son of Dathi. After a dis turbed reign of twenty years, during which he contended with the Leinstermen, Oilioil was slain at the battle ot Ocha, in Meath, A.D. 478, by Lughaidh, son of Leaghaire, who succeeded.22 It does not seem to be well established that even this monarch had been a believer in the sublime truths of

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Rathcroghan lies the grave of Dathi, a king of Ireland whose reign closed in 428. His body was carried home from the continent and interred here with military honours, his grave marked by a red pillar-stone, according to old and trustworthy records. Dathi was grandson of Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin, a former monarch of Ireland. He succeeded after the assassination of Niall, the hero of the Nine Hostages. Niall had reigned gloriously for twenty-seven years and was killed in 405 by Eochaidh, son of Enna Ceinnseallach, a prince of Leinster who had been held as a pledge of allegiance but contrived to escape his guards and followed the King of Ireland on a warlike expedition. The killing took place at the sea called Muir-n-Icht, between France and England, near the site of present Boulogne, though other accounts place it near the banks of the Loire. Niall's posterity were known as the northern and southern Hy-Niall, and nearly all the kings of Ireland down to the twelfth century derived their origin from that race. Dathi was remarkable for activity of body and a spirit of military adventure. He pushed his conquests with great success in the territories of France, where he was killed by a stroke of lightning at the Alps. He closed his reign of twenty-three years in 428, and was succeeded by Leaghaire, son of Niall, the last king to rule over pagan Ireland.

15. Legend of the Blind Monk and the Bell of Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    St. Brigid sent disciples to Rome to bring back the Roman liturgical rite, but they forgot it upon return; a third mission including a blind monk succeeded when he dove into the sea to retrieve an anchor and emerged bearing the Ordo and a bell, later called 'Cloc an Mic Daill'. This bell was said to remain long preserved at the monastery of Kildare.

    Read the passage

    affixed to St. Angus' ".Metrical Festilogy," at the ist of February. On a certain day, as she could not undertake the journey herself, St. Brigid sent seven of her disciples to RomcV? that they might bring from thence the Ordo of St. Peter, or the Roman Rite. But, on their return home, they en tirely forget what they had then learned. To whom St. Brigid addressed these words : " The Son of the Virgin knows, that however great your dili gence had been, it is altogether useless.'-' Again, she despatched seven other disciples, and with a like result. A third time, she sent other mes sengers, and joined with them a certain blind //v/<V6' of her own. The Al mighty had endowed this blind man with the singular faculty of retaining permanently in his recollection, whatsoever he heard. Being overtaken by a. storm in the Icciaiv0 or Tyrhene^ sea, they cast anchor. Aitenvards, being unable to raise it, the crew cast lots among themselves, to determine who should commit himself to the deep to loose its fastenings. Their lot fell upon the blind man already mentioned. On diving downwards, he appeared no more, until other sailors, driven by the same storm, cast anchor in this place. _ When they wound it upwards again, they observed this blind man ascending with their anchor, and bearing with him the Ecclesiastical Rite or Ordo, and a bell, atterwards called, Cloc an mic daill, or " bell of the blind son." At a time this legend was in vogue, it was believed, St. Brigid's fa mily had still possession ot this bell,1- and that they used a Ritual, called the _" Ordo Place-minus/"" Uuamt though the form of this legend may be, yet it probably shadows the substance of a conviction, that St. Brigid, like her beloved teacher St. Patrick, clung with fidelity and affection to the rites and practices of the Roman Church, the true fountain and centre of Christian union.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Kildare now. According to a legend attached to St. Brigid, she wanted the Roman rite brought back to her monastery here, but she couldn't make the journey herself. She sent seven disciples to Rome to bring back the Ordo of St. Peter, and when they came home they had entirely forgotten what they had learned. She sent seven more, with the same result. A third time she sent messengers, and with them a blind monk of her own household, whom God had given the gift of remembering permanently whatever he heard. Out on the sea a storm overtook them, and they cast anchor. When they couldn't raise it again, the crew drew lots to decide who would dive down to loose the fastenings, and the lot fell on the blind man. He went down and was seen no more, until other sailors, driven by the same storm into that place, cast their anchor. When they wound it up, the blind monk was ascending with it, carrying the Ecclesiastical Rite and a bell. That bell was afterwards called Cloc an mic daill, the bell of the blind son. The story held that the bell long remained preserved at the monastery of Kildare.

16. Removal of St. Brigid's relics to Down amid Danish incursions

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 835

    About A.D. 835, when Kildare began to suffer from hostile Danish incursions, St. Brigid's relics were removed to Down for greater security and to guard them from pagan profanation, where they were deposed with those of St. Patrick and St. Columba.

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    It seems sufficiently probable, that the remains of the venerable abbess were at first interred within the church of Kildare ; where her nuns for some ages, to honour her memory, kept a fire always burning. Hence, that con vent was called the House of Fire.12 It is supposed, that about A.D. 835, or probably before, when Kildare begun to suffer from the hostile Danish in cursions,^ the relics of our saint were removed to Down1-* for greater security, and to guard them from Pagan profanation. Here, they were deposed, with those of St. Patrick and of St. Columba. We can have little doubt, they were for a long time carefully preserved, and greatly honoured by the faithful. Yet, the Northmen frequently attacked, plundered, and burned this town. These ravages were continued, during the tenth, eleventh, and even the twelfth century.^ It seems probable, the harrassed townspeople were obliged, through motives of precaution, to remove and bury in the earth those precious remains consigned to their charge. Probably, the secret of their entombment had been confided, only to a few ecclesiastics, and these might have perished, during the tumults of that time. It would appear, that a tradition, regarding where the illustrious saints had been buried, passed out of popular recollec tion in Down,16 after the lapse of some centuries. What is still more aston ishing, a knowledge, concerning where St. Patrick's, St. Brigid's, and_ St. Columkille's relics had been deposed, was even obliterated, from the minds of the faithful, and in a city, where those holy persons were ever held in such extraordinary veneration.

    About the year 1185, '7 however, the first year of King John's arrival in Ireland,13 when Malachy III.1? was bishop over Down, this holy man was accustomed to offer up his prayers to God, that a discovery of the abovementioned saint's relics might be made by him.20 It so happened, one night,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 162

17. St. Conleth Torn Apart by Wolves

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 519

    St. Conleth, first Bishop of Kildare, appointed at St. Brigid's instance, died on 3 May 519 after being torn asunder by ferocious wolves during an episcopal journey. His remains were partly recovered and later placed in a rich shrine, likely prepared by Brigid herself.

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    his retreat. Yet, his missionary duties occasionally called him to mingle with the world. The holy Conleth or Conlaedh, Bishop of Kildare, who had been appointed to fill that office, at the instance of St. Brigid, departed this life on the 3rd of May,58 A.D. Sig.59 His fate must have proved peculiarly distressing to the sensitive soul of the illustrious abbess ; for, after he had directed the ecclesiastical affairs of his see and her own religious institute for several years, with great judgment and piety, probably during one of his episcopal journeys, he was torn asunder by ferocious wolves. Yet, his remains were in part recovered, and afterwards placed in a rich shrine.60 It seems likely, that veneration, entertained for him by the tender virgin, induced her to have that reliquary prepared, in course of the very few years she survived. Those friends, parted on earth, were yet destined soon to meet, and to enjoy the eternal rewards of Heaven. St. Buite Mac Bronaigh of Monasterboice died on the yth of December,61 A.D. 52 1.62 St. Beoadh, Bishop of Ardcarne, departed this life on the 8th of Marches A.D. 523. 64 St. Brigid may have known most — if not all — the foregoing saintly persons, who were her contemporaries, and who, it seems likely, departed to a better world, before she was called to her happy home beyond the grave.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this town carries a story from the year 519. The holy Conleth, Bishop of Kildare, had been appointed to that office at the instance of St. Brigid. His missionary duties occasionally called him to mingle with the world, away from his retreat. He directed the ecclesiastical affairs of his see and her own religious institute for several years, with great judgment and piety. Then, on the 3rd of May, 519, he departed this life. Probably during one of his episcopal journeys, he was torn asunder by ferocious wolves. His fate must have proved peculiarly distressing to the sensitive soul of Brigid. Yet his remains were in part recovered, and afterwards placed in a rich shrine. It seems likely that the veneration she held for him induced her to have that reliquary prepared, in the course of the very few years she survived him. Those friends, parted on earth, were destined soon to meet, and to enjoy the eternal rewards of Heaven.

18. The broken vessel miracle at the King of Theba's banquet

    Longford · town · Longford

    At a banquet given by the King of Theba (Longford), a servant accidentally broke a precious vessel and was sentenced to death. Bishop Mel brought the fragments to St. Brigid, who miraculously repaired the vessel, leading to the captive's release and the miracle's fame spreading through the country.

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    proceeded towards the plain of Theba,3? or Teffia, where the aforesaid prelate, Mel, had a large monastery.38 During this journey, the favoured virgin wrought many miracles.3? The ancient principality of Anghaile40 seems to have been their point of destination. While the Virgin and her companions dwelt there, the King of Theba4-1 gave a banquet, at some distance from their dwelling. An awkward servant, on approaching the royal table to remove a precious vessel of priceless material and workmanship,-*2 chanced to let it fall, when it was immediately broken in pieces. ^ Full of anger, this king arbitarily ordered him to be bound and put to death. But, on hearing about such a cruel and an unjust sentence, Bishop Mel sought the king to intercede for that captive. The chief, however, would not grant his petition. Then Mel gathered up the fragments of the broken vessel, and brought them to St. Brigid. He asked her to repair it, and she effected this task.44 The captive was subsequently liberated ; while the fame of such a miracle diffused itself throughout that part of the country. 45

    Near this place, St. Brigid was asked to visit another pious virgin, 46 called Briga,47and at the house of this latter. Her house was at a place called Kilbrige.48 Our saint accepted such an invitation at the time, as she had often done on similar occasions. Arriving at the house, she was received with great joy and honour. According to the usual custom of treating guests, her feet were washed ; and, after the water had been removed, it cured another nun, whose feet were

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Longford, you are near the plain of Theba, or Teffia, where Bishop Mel had a large monastery. St. Brigid and her companions came here, to the ancient principality of Anghaile. While they stayed, the King of Theba gave a banquet at some distance from their dwelling. A servant, approaching the royal table to remove a precious vessel of priceless material and workmanship, let it fall, and it broke in pieces. The king, full of anger, ordered him to be bound and put to death. Bishop Mel, hearing of such a cruel and unjust sentence, sought the king to intercede for the captive. The chief would not grant his petition. Then Mel gathered up the fragments of the broken vessel and brought them to St. Brigid. He asked her to repair it, and she did. The captive was liberated, and the fame of the miracle spread throughout that part of the country. Near this place, St. Brigid was asked to visit another pious virgin called Briga, whose house was at a place called Kilbrige. The saint accepted the invitation. Arriving at the house, she was received with great joy and honour. Her feet were washed according to custom, and after the water was removed, it cured another nun whose feet were afflicted.

19. Tradition of Bruce's headless body buried in Foughart graveyard

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 1318

    Local tradition holds that Edward Bruce's headless body was buried in Foughart graveyard, contrary to written accounts that his body was quartered and exhibited around the country. Nearby, inhabitants point out where Bruce's horse was buried, and its bones were reportedly discovered on digging.

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    Some written accounts state, that Ed ward Bruce's body had been divided into quarters, and had been sent for exhibition all over the country. See Moore's " His tory of Ireland,'' vol. iii., chap, xxxvi., p. 71. I his, however, does not appear to be confirmed on any good authority, and the local tradition is prokibly correct, that the headless body had been buried in Foughart graveyard. Near this cemetery, the inha bitants point out a spot, where Bruce's horse was buried, and it is said, the bones of this animal were even discovered, on digging for them.

    ';'lhe Rev. Dr. Drummond's Poem, — of no special merit, however, — and intituled, "Bruce's Invasion of Ireland," describes the progress of the Scottish leader, and his linal defeat. An idea of its measure and style may be gleaned from the following lines, relating to the mustering of Irish chiefs and tribes to his standard : —

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 27

20. Founding of the Grey Abbey Franciscan friary

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1260

    Lord William de Vesey established a Franciscan friary at Kildare in 1260, now popularly known as the Grey Abbey, situated on the south side of the town near a high road and surrounded by a crowded graveyard.

    Read the passage

    were effected ; since, Lord William de Vcsey, A.D. 1260, established a friary for the Franciscan Order, which is now popularly known as the Grey Abbey. It is situated on the south side of the town, near a high road, and surrounded by an extensive and a crowded graveyard, covered with humble graves and having several head-stones inscribed. A high hawthorn-fence separates it from the road, the only good enclosure surrounding it. A farm-house and Out-offices are at one side, and several fine ash-trees are thickly interlaced, to lend some adjoining paddocks shelter. An iron-gate forms an entrance from the road, but the off-fences are broken down, while cattle range among the graves and ruins. These latter traces of the fine old abbey are fast crumb ling away. They seem to indicate two chief divisions ; namely, the Friary proper, and its church, in immediate proximity. The entire length of the building appears to have been 35 yards, from east to west ; and, S yards in width, interiorly. The south side-wall is much broken ; the north side-wall at the church portion was propped by four buttresses, apparently built to give strength, at a period long after the Church had been quite completed. Six lancet-headed windows were in the north wall. A large and pointed window occupied the east gable. A long vault, extending from the monastic house northwards, is yet traceable, under the graves ; while, extending southwards, on the offside, are some fragments of foundations. ?' These appearances indicate, that the plan of this building, at one time, was nearly cruciform.?2 Half of the west gable is entirely gone." In the year 1290, William de Vescy built a house for Carmelites or White Friars, and a few members of this order yet occupy a dwelling standing on the site.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 159

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you're near the site of the Grey Abbey. Lord William de Vesey established a Franciscan friary here in 1260, and it is still popularly known by that name. It stood on the south side of the town, near a high road, and what remains is surrounded by an extensive and crowded graveyard, covered with humble graves and several inscribed head-stones. A high hawthorn hedge separates it from the road, the only good enclosure left. An iron gate forms the entrance, but the off-fences are broken down, and cattle range among the graves and ruins. The ruins themselves are fast crumbling away. They seem to show two chief divisions: the friary proper, and its church, in immediate proximity. The entire length of the building appears to have been 35 yards from east to west, and about 8 yards in width inside. The south side-wall is much broken. The north side-wall at the church portion was propped by four buttresses, apparently built long after the church had been completed, to give it strength. Six lancet-headed windows were in the north wall. A large pointed window occupied the east gable. A long vault extends from the monastic house northwards, still traceable under the graves, while fragments of foundations extend southwards on the offside. These appearances indicate that the plan of the building was nearly cruciform. Half of the west gable is entirely gone. In 1290, William de Vescy built a house for Carmelites, or White Friars, and a few members of this order yet occupy a dwelling standing on the site.

21. Franciscan monastery ruins at Slane founded 1512

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1512

    Towering abbey ruins at Slane, including a fine, nearly perfect abbey-tower, crown a height overlooking the Boyne. The Franciscan monastery there was founded in 1512 by the Flemings, and fragments of St Erc's older hermitage were reportedly incorporated into the later building.

    Read the passage

    yet visited by so many pilgrims of taste, who delight to wander along the wind ing waters of the Boyne, some towering and extensive abbey ruins34 crown a magnificent height, which presents a vast view over one of the most lovely landscapes in lreland.35 A fine, lofty, and nearly perfect abbey-tower dominates over the deserted and ruinous cloisters beside it.s6 A much frequented graveyard surrounds the ruined Franciscan monastery, that had been founded here A.D. 1512.37 The pious and noble Flemings'38 pile of build ings was soon diverted to secular purposes, while the church and monastic portions gradually fell into decay, It is said, that several fragments of St. Erc's ancient hermitage and some ornamental details were taken from the older ruin, and inserted in the more modern erection.

    With blessed Krc, the great St. Brigid was specially intimate and bound by ties of holy friendship. This appears from her Acts, and it is supposed,^ that about the year 484, she was his travelling companion to his native pro vince/0 Such tour of the holy abbess possibly preceded one she made to Connaught ;41 although, indeed, this matter has not been very clearly estab lished/2 St. Brigid entertained a great inclination to see certain consecrated places and holy persons in Minister ; but, according to another account, her visit there was induced, through a desire to accompany St. Ere on a visit towards that country, where his relatives lived.-*3 One day, while prosecuting their journey, St. Brigid said to the bishop, " O venerable father, point out to me the quarter of Minister, in which your family resides." When the bishop had complied with her request, the holy virgin exclaimed in continua tion, " At present, a war is there waging, between your tribe and another clan." The bishop replied to her : " O holy mother, I believe what thou hast told me is true, for when I last left them to see you, they were in a state of discord." Then Brigid cried out, " O Father, your people are now routed." One of St. Erc's disciples,44 hereupon, thoughtlessly remarked to

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Slane, towering abbey ruins crown a magnificent height overlooking the winding waters of the Boyne, with a fine, lofty, and nearly perfect abbey tower dominating the deserted and ruinous cloisters beside it. A much frequented graveyard surrounds the ruined Franciscan monastery, founded here in 1512 by the pious and noble Flemings. Their pile of buildings was soon diverted to secular purposes, while the church and monastic portions gradually fell into decay. It is said that several fragments of St Erc's ancient hermitage and some ornamental details were taken from the older ruin and inserted in the more modern erection. With blessed Erc, the great St Brigid was specially intimate and bound by ties of holy friendship. It is supposed that about the year 484, she was his travelling companion to his native province. St Brigid entertained a great inclination to see certain consecrated places and holy persons in Minister, and according to one account, her visit there was induced through a desire to accompany St Erc on a visit towards that country, where his relatives lived. One day, while prosecuting their journey, St Brigid said to the bishop, "O venerable father, point out to me the quarter of Minister in which your family resides." When the bishop had complied with her request, the holy virgin exclaimed, "At present, a war is there waging between your tribe and another clan." The bishop replied, "O holy mother, I believe what thou hast told me is true, for when I last left them to see you, they were in a state of discord." Then Brigid cried out, "O Father, your people are now routed." One of St Erc's disciples, hereupon, thoughtlessly remarked to

22. Bishop Malachy's prayers for discovery of the saints' relics at Down

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1185

    About the year 1185, when Malachy III was bishop over Down, he was accustomed to pray to God that a discovery of the relics of Patrick, Brigid, and Columkille might be made, since knowledge of their burial place had been lost.

    Read the passage

    About the year 1185, '7 however, the first year of King John's arrival in Ireland,13 when Malachy III.1? was bishop over Down, this holy man was accustomed to offer up his prayers to God, that a discovery of the abovementioned saint's relics might be made by him.20 It so happened, one night,

    IUit in the cast, no envious height ; in one tomb with Patrick ; and where Colum

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 162

23. Hollow between Faughart Hill and Carrickbroad marks spot of Bruce's death

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 1318

    A hollow space between Faughart hill and Carrickbroad is pointed out by local tradition as the exact spot where Edward Bruce was killed during the last desperate battle.

    Read the passage

    A hollow space between Faughart hill and Carrickbroad-^2 is pointed out as the spot where Bruce was killed,293 in that last desperate

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 27

24. Miraculous fording of the Shannon by Brigid and her nuns

    Athlone · town · Westmeath

    Brigid and her sisters entered the Shannon river where even the strongest men and soldiers could not pass, yet the waters did not reach the knees of the holy company as they crossed, astonishing onlookers from both contending factions.

    Read the passage

    vants.120 Then they besought their holy abbess to make a sign of the cross over the Shannon waters, that they might decrease, so as to become fordable. This request she heard most favourably : with her sisters she entered the river, and in presence of people belonging to both contending factions. To the wonder and admiration of beholders, although without the aid of boats, the strongest men and soldiers there assembled could not pass, it was found, the waters did not reach the knees of this holy company of virgins, then crossing. Before the saint and her companions entered the river, some clerics, who had hired a small vessel, asked one of Brigid's nuns to accom pany them. She permitted a young and timid sister to cross the river before her in that vessel.1-'1 This virgin had previously asked the blessing of her superioress, from whom she feared to be separated in crossing over ; and Brigid said : '• Go in peace, the Lord will preserve you.'"' But, in sight of all, the bark sunk in the mid-stream, when, fearful of danger, the men invoked aid from the holy abbess. Brigid blessed and prayed for her nun ; the waves carried this sister safely to her destination, without even wetting her garments. All, who were near the spot, gave glory to God, and lauded the wonders it pleased Heaven to accomplish through the merits of our illus trious saint.1-'2 Yet greater moral miracles than these was she destined to effect ; and, filled with a happy inspiration, she directed her course to that place, which afterwards became inseparably connected with her heroic actions while living, and with their memory, when she was called away to her eternal reward.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athlone, you are near where Brigid and her nuns once crossed the Shannon in a moment the old book calls a miracle. Her companions asked her to make a sign of the cross over the waters so the river might become fordable, and she entered the stream with her sisters while people from both contending factions looked on. The strongest men and soldiers assembled there could not pass, yet the waters did not reach the knees of this holy company of virgins as they crossed. Before Brigid entered the river, some clerics who had hired a small vessel asked one of her nuns to accompany them. A young and timid sister went, with Brigid's blessing: "Go in peace, the Lord will preserve you." But the bark sank in the mid-stream, and the fearful men called on the holy abbess for aid. Brigid blessed and prayed for her nun, and the waves carried the sister safely to her destination without even wetting her garments. All who were near gave glory to God and lauded the wonders Heaven accomplished through the saint's merits.

25. Miraculous Substitute Fox Presented to the King

    Naas · town · Kildare

    St. Brigid produced a wild fox that entered her chariot and lay in her garments, presenting it to the king as a substitute for the one killed. Pleased by its tricks, the king freed the condemned rustic, but the fox later escaped back to the woods despite pursuit by horsemen and dogs.

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    who directed one of the wild foxes in the wood to approach her chariot, at a swift pace.?1 This animal immediately entered the vehicle, and quietly lay down there, nestling in the folds of our saint's garments.?2 When the pious woman arrived at the king's palace, she earnestly entreated, the captive might be liberated from his chains, as he was not morally accountable for that act committed. But, the king refused his pardon, and declared, more over, that the criminal should not be liberated, unless a fox, equal in cunning and performances to that one he had lost, were restored to him. Then, our saint set before the king and his courtiers the fox, which had accompanied her in the chariot, and which appeared to rival the former one in domesticity, tricks, and devices. Seeing this, the king was greatly pleased, and he imme diately ordered the captive's restoration to liberty, while the chiefs and multi tude present could not but applaud what they had witnessed. Yet, soon after the poor man's liberation and pardon, when St. Brigid returned to her home, that presented fox, astutely mingling with the multitude, contrived to escape once more to his den, in the woods, notwithstanding the pursuit of horsemen and of dogs, over the open country, through which he iled.?^ All the people, living in that part of the province, admired what had occurred, while greatly venerating Brigid's sanctity and miraculous gifts. Her fame was daily on the increase, and she was regarded as the special favourite of Heaven.?-*

    At one time, a curtain rich man, living in a distant province, came to our saint. Among other gifts, he offered her a present of some fat swine.75 This man requested, also, that some of Brigid's servants might be sent back with him, to drive those animals from his village, which lay at a considerable distance from her church.?0 It was situated, according to one account, in the plain of l-'cmhiiv7 in the Xandesii territory,"3 and in the province of

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, this is where St. Brigid once performed a miracle with a fox. A rustic had killed the king's fox and been condemned for it. Brigid directed one of the wild foxes in the wood to approach her chariot at a swift pace. The animal entered the vehicle and quietly lay down, nestling in the folds of her garments. When she arrived at the king's palace, she earnestly entreated that the captive might be liberated from his chains, as he was not morally accountable for the act committed. But the king refused his pardon and declared the criminal should not be liberated unless a fox equal in cunning and performances to the one he had lost were restored to him. Then Brigid set before the king and his courtiers the fox that had accompanied her in the chariot, and it appeared to rival the former one in domesticity, tricks, and devices. The king was greatly pleased and ordered the captive's restoration to liberty, while the chiefs and multitude present applauded what they had witnessed. Yet soon after the poor man's liberation, when Brigid returned to her home, the presented fox, astutely mingling with the multitude, contrived to escape once more to his den in the woods, notwithstanding the pursuit of horsemen and dogs over the open country through which he fled. All the people living in that part of the province admired what had occurred, while greatly venerating Brigid's sanctity and miraculous gifts. Her fame was daily on the increase, and she was regarded as the special favourite of Heaven.

26. St. Brigid Foretells St. Patrick's Burial at Dun da Leth-glas

    near Downpatrick · town · Down

    St. Brigid interpreted the meteor as a sign of where St. Patrick's body would rest after death, saying his body would lie unburied near where the meteor first appeared and then be interred in Leathglaisse Dun until judgment day. Patrick asked her to weave his burial shroud, and she predicted that she, Patrick, and Columkille would all rise from that same tomb.

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    sent would not dare to inquire, from their venerated Apostle, the meaning of this portent ; but, they applied for a solution of it, from the holy virgin, Bri^id. She told them to ask their common father, St. Patrick, for an ex planation. The latter replied to her : " You and I are equals, therefore explain this mystery to the people/'' 7° St. Brigid then spoke to the assem blage ; she told them, that apparition indicated St. Patrick's spirit, which went, as it were, before to visit the place where his body should be interred after his death. 7I " For," said she, " where this meteor first rested near us, there shall the body of our holy patron lie unburied for some days,?2 and thence shall it be brought, and be interred in Leathglaisse Dun, 73 where it shall remain to the day ot judgment."^ Holy Patrick then requested our saint to make with her o\vn hands that shroud, in which his body should be wrapped after death, and he expressed a desire to arise from the grave, clothed with it, to receive his eternal reward. This request our holy virgin promised should be complied with, and she also predicted to St. Patrick, that he with herself and the celebrated St. Columkille, another. great Irish apostle, not then born, should arise for judgment, from this same tomb.75 The body of Ireland's illustrious Apostle was afterwards wrapped in that shroud then promised him by St. Brigid. On hearing this colloquy and pre diction, the crowd assembled praised Almighty God.70

    Subsequently, as we are told, having obtained permission from the holy Archbishop Patrick for a return to her own part of the country, St. Brigid travelled over a plain called Breagh, within the Meathian territory. While she dwelt there at a certain cell, it would seem the wife, probably of Fer gus,77 the son of Conall Crimthann, who was son to Niall, King ot Ireland,?8

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 95

27. The Round Tower at Kildare marks Brigid's convent site

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    The Round Tower at Kildare and the adjoining ruins probably represent the exact site of St. Brigid's early conventual establishment and church, and is considered one of the finest and most highly ornamented round towers in Ireland, though its castellated top is modern.

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    site — now very much denuded of oak-*3 — was chosen by St. Brigid for her projected conventual establishment. The local proprietor of this soil and people living in the neighbourhood soon helped to provide a habitation for their future patroness and for her religious sisters. It has been asserted, the first church built there was constructed with wattles ;44 and, owing to the circumstance of its having nestled under or near the large spreading tree, it got the name Kildare,45 or " the cell of the oak."46 When the author of St. Brigid's Fourth Life lived, the roots, or part of the trunk, belonging to this venerable tree, remained.47 The adjoining plain of the Curragh is tradi tionally held to have been St. Brigid's pasture ground,48 to which she never prevented the neighbouring people from sending their cattle. w This is thought to have been the origin of what still constitutes the popular right of commonage. Various legendary stones connect St. Brigid and her nuns with its former proprietorship ; while, these are stated to have been engaged in the pastoral occupation of tending herds and flocks on its plains. Portions of the surface had probably been subjected to tillage, and this tract of land afforded means for enabling the community to procure a subsistence.50 The Round Tower at Kildare and the adjoining ruins probably represent the exact site of St. Brigid's early conventual establishment and of the church connected with it. The round tower is considered to be one of the finest specimens of its class, as well as one of the most highly ornamented in Ireland.51 The castellated top of the tower is modern. It is said there are sundry vestiges of ancient work about the site of Kildare, but that these are so incorporated with the buildings of Christian times, it is now difficult to distinguish them.52 At what particular period St. Brigid's establishment was

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, the round tower you can see is one of the finest and most highly ornamented in Ireland, and the ruins beside it probably mark the exact site where St. Brigid founded her convent. The ground here was once covered in oak, and Brigid chose it for her religious community. The local landowner and neighbours helped build a home for her and her sisters. The first church on the site is said to have been built with wattles, and because it nestled under a great spreading oak tree, the place became known as Kildare, meaning the cell of the oak. When the author of Brigid's Fourth Life was writing, the roots or part of the trunk of that venerable tree were still there. The Curragh plain nearby was traditionally Brigid's pasture ground, and she never stopped the neighbouring people from sending their cattle to graze on it, which is thought to be the origin of the commonage rights that still exist today. Various legendary stones link Brigid and her nuns with the land, and they are said to have tended herds and flocks across the plain. The castellated top of the tower is a modern addition, and there are said to be traces of ancient work about the site, but they are so mixed in with later Christian buildings that they are now difficult to make out.

28. Thieves Retrace Steps to St. Brigid's Granary

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Eight thieves stole four horses and forty measures of corn from St. Brigid's community, but were miraculously led back to the nuns' own granary instead of their homes. St. Brigid found them sleeping there and summoned St. Patrick, who ransomed and released them after their repentance.

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    One of the other nuns, with more charity, had already presented the poor man with a garment, whilst all the community acknowledged the justice of God's judgment on their now penitent sister. When the poor leper had resumed his own attire, the holy abbess procured for him, likewise, the blessing of a release from his miserable condition. Her sisters gave thanks to God, on witnessing these manifestations of His Almighty power. The holy abbess and her nuns dwelt in a particular cell, in that part of the country, where the foregoing occurrences took place. One night, during Lenten time, eight daring thieves came to steal four horses, which belonged to the community. A nun, who remained awake at that time, announced to our saint this robbery which had been perpetrated. The abbess said : " Be it so ; I already know it, but there will be found others, more powerful than we are, who may retaliate.'' On departing with their prey, those robbers went towards the house of a peasant or farmer, from whom they took forty measures of corn. These were put on the four horses and on their own shoulders. Afterwards, they proceeded, as they thought, to their homes. Yet, the Almighty had decreed, that the thieves should retrace their course towards that granary belonging to the nuns. Having deposited their booty, they retired to rest in a corner of the barn. On the following morning, the persons, who had experienced a loss of their corn, setting out on the tracks of those thieves and of the previously-stolen horses, came in chase to St. Brigid's dwelling-place. They declared their reason for coming, and ex plained about certain indications, which led them to suppose, they had fol lowed in a right direction. They also requested our abbess to give them whatever iniormation she could furnish regarding this matter. The holy virgin then went to that granary, where she found the robbers sleeping. Having awakened them, she asked why they had dared to bring their booty thither, when they replied, in fear and amazement, that they had been under an impression they returned to and slept in their own homes.52 Attenvards, St. Brigid sent a message to St. Patrick, who was not far distant from that place, with a request that he would come and release those robbers. The holy prelate immediately came to our saint. Having ransomed them, they repented, and sought to atone for their crimes, by offering that corn they had taken to St. Brigid and to her nuns, being convinced, such restitution should be acceptable to God.5J By the occurrence of this miracle, St. Brigid's fame was greatly diffused, through this particular district of country.s* While St. Brigid, with some of her nuns, was one day seated near Armagh city, two men approached, bearing water in an uncovered wooden vessel.55 On coming towards the holy abbess, they entreated her to bless this water. With their request she complied, and she also blessed themselves, at the

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are in the country of St. Brigid, first abbess of Kildare. One night during Lent, eight thieves came to her community and stole four horses. As they left with their prey, they stopped at a farmer's house and took forty measures of corn, loading it on the horses and on their own shoulders. They set off, as they thought, for their homes. Instead, they were led back to the nuns' own granary. They deposited their booty there and fell asleep in a corner of the barn. The farmer who had lost his corn followed the tracks of the thieves and the stolen horses all the way to St. Brigid's dwelling, and asked her for any information she could give. The holy virgin went to the granary and found the robbers sleeping. She woke them and asked why they had dared bring their booty there. They answered in fear and amazement that they had thought they returned to and slept in their own homes. St. Brigid sent a message to St. Patrick, who was not far distant, asking him to come and release the robbers. He came, ransomed them, and they repented. They offered the corn they had taken to St. Brigid and her nuns, convinced such restitution should be acceptable to God. By this miracle, her fame was greatly spread through the district.

29. Angelic Illumination of a Gospel Book at St. Brigid's Monastery

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Giraldus Cambrensis records a tradition that a scribe at St. Brigid's monastery, while transcribing a Gospel book, was visited by an angel who showed him illustrations to copy after St. Brigid prayed for divine guidance. The resulting manuscript was later admired by Giraldus himself for its extraordinary artistry.

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    regarded those vellum pages as the work of angels, and not of men.16 Giraldus Cambrensis relates, that a tradition existed in his day, concerning a miracle, said to have taken place, during our saint's life-time.1? On a certain occasion', a scribe, belonging to St. Brigid's monastery, undertook transcription of a book of the Gospels, according to St. Jerome's version.13 That night, on which he had commenced his task, an angel is said to have appeared. This heavenly messenger bore a certain tablet, upon which a beautiful impression was depicted ; at the same time, that angel asked the scribe, if he could reproduce a similar illustration, on the title-page. The writer replied, such an effort exceeded his ability. Then the angel said : " On to-morrow, tell your mistress, she must pour forth her prayers before Cod's throne, so that your corporal and mental vision may be able to behold accurately, and to under stand with due perception, and that your hand maybe properly directed, in trac ing corresponding characters." The following night, an angel again appeared. He bore the same drawing, and presented many other illustrations. All of these, that scribe carefully impressed on his memory ; while, with the greatest exactness, he reproduced those different figures and tracings represented, introducing them in suitable places, throughout his book, it is remarked, St. Brigid continued her prayers, during the progress of this wonderful work, until it issued from the scribe's hands, in a most perfect state. '3 Afterwards, this manuscript was an object of admiration to all persons of taste. It called forth the warm eulogistic commendations of Giraldus Cambrensis,20 who appears to have examined it with great interest and minuteness.21

    It seems probable, that such a tradition as the foregoing may serve to account for a rumour, regarding our saint having composed '" Twelve Books of Revelations." However, it will be found, on enquiry, that no ancient

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    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Kildare now, where St. Brigid's monastery once stood. Giraldus Cambrensis records a tradition from his own day about a miracle said to have taken place during Brigid's lifetime. A scribe at the monastery undertook to transcribe a book of the Gospels according to St. Jerome's version. On the night he began his work, an angel appeared bearing a tablet with a beautiful impression depicted on it. The angel asked the scribe if he could reproduce a similar illustration on the title-page. The scribe replied that such an effort exceeded his ability. The angel told him: on the next day, tell your mistress she must pour forth her prayers before God's throne, so that your corporal and mental vision may be able to behold accurately, and to understand with due perception, and that your hand may be properly directed in tracing corresponding characters. The following night, the angel appeared again, bearing the same drawing and presenting many other illustrations besides. The scribe carefully impressed all of these on his memory, and with the greatest exactness reproduced the different figures and tracings, introducing them in suitable places throughout his book. St. Brigid continued her prayers during the progress of the work until it issued from the scribe's hands in a most perfect state. Afterwards, the manuscript was an object of admiration to all persons of taste. Giraldus Cambrensis examined it with great interest and minuteness, and those vellum pages were regarded as the work of angels, and not of men.

30. Architectural description of the Grey Abbey ruins

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    The ruins of the Grey Abbey indicate two chief divisions, the Friary and its church, with the building measuring 35 yards long and 8 yards wide, featuring lancet windows, buttresses, and a long vault, suggesting an originally cruciform plan.

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    were effected ; since, Lord William de Vcsey, A.D. 1260, established a friary for the Franciscan Order, which is now popularly known as the Grey Abbey. It is situated on the south side of the town, near a high road, and surrounded by an extensive and a crowded graveyard, covered with humble graves and having several head-stones inscribed. A high hawthorn-fence separates it from the road, the only good enclosure surrounding it. A farm-house and Out-offices are at one side, and several fine ash-trees are thickly interlaced, to lend some adjoining paddocks shelter. An iron-gate forms an entrance from the road, but the off-fences are broken down, while cattle range among the graves and ruins. These latter traces of the fine old abbey are fast crumb ling away. They seem to indicate two chief divisions ; namely, the Friary proper, and its church, in immediate proximity. The entire length of the building appears to have been 35 yards, from east to west ; and, S yards in width, interiorly. The south side-wall is much broken ; the north side-wall at the church portion was propped by four buttresses, apparently built to give strength, at a period long after the Church had been quite completed. Six lancet-headed windows were in the north wall. A large and pointed window occupied the east gable. A long vault, extending from the monastic house northwards, is yet traceable, under the graves ; while, extending southwards, on the offside, are some fragments of foundations. ?' These appearances indicate, that the plan of this building, at one time, was nearly cruciform.?2 Half of the west gable is entirely gone." In the year 1290, William de Vescy built a house for Carmelites or White Friars, and a few members of this order yet occupy a dwelling standing on the site.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 159

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, the Grey Abbey ruins stand on the south side of the town, surrounded by a crowded graveyard. Lord William de Vescy established a friary here for the Franciscan Order in 1260, and the ruins are fast crumbling away. They show two chief divisions, the Friary proper and its church in immediate proximity. The entire building appears to have been 35 yards long from east to west and 8 yards wide inside. The north wall of the church was propped by four buttresses, built long after the church was completed, and held six lancet-headed windows. A large pointed window occupied the east gable. A long vault extending northward from the monastic house is still traceable beneath the graves, and fragments of foundations extend southward. These appearances indicate the plan was once nearly cruciform. Half of the west gable is entirely gone. An iron gate forms the entrance from the road, though the outer fences are broken down and cattle range among the graves and ruins. In 1290, William de Vescy also built a house for Carmelites or White Friars, and a few members of that order yet occupy a dwelling on the site.

31. Conall's army hidden by St. Brigid's protection in a deserted fort

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Returning victorious from battle, Conall and his soldiers sheltered for the night in a deserted fort by the way-side, fearing pursuit by their enemies. Invoking St. Brigid's promised protection, the pursuing scouts who entered the fort saw only clerics reading books instead of Conall's men, and the enemy withdrew.

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    bands returned to their own country, with great rejoicing and in fancied triumph. According to the legendary account, however, all this turned out to be a complete illusion, and when they had landed at the port for which they were bound in Ireland, it was only then dispelled. This was soon learned from the report of trustworthy messengers. Connell is said to have given praise to God, when he learned that no loss of life had occurred. He resolved on seeing the- abbess. When he came to the place where St. Erigid resided, I0« he related all that had happened. Then, he and his forces laid aside their warlike emblems, at St. Brigid's request. She said to Conall : " Because you have renounced these badges at my suggestion, in whatever danger you may be placed, invoke my intercession, and the Al mighty will defend you on my account, and you shall be preserved from danger."I05 This promise of the saint was afterwards fulfilled. Some time subsequently, Conall, with a large army, invaded the territories of his ene mies, when he obtained a great victory over them.106 Afterwards, he re turned in triumph, towards his own country. When Conall had nearly reached his own dominions, night came on, and he entered a deserted fort or castle, by the way-side. There, his soldiers remarked to him, that they should incur great danger, by remaining so near the haunts of their enemies. These, stealing on them unawares, would be likely to follow, and might kill them while sleeping. The prince replied : " The night is now at hand, and I am fatigued ; yet know, that the pious Brigid hath promised she will de fend me in every difficulty, whenever I invoke her assistance. I believe, what she hath predicted must infallibly come to pass. On this night, I com mend myself and my forces, to God's Divine protection, through her holy invocation.'' As had been suspected, their enemies stealthily came that night on their track. When his pursuers approached that fort where Connall10? lay, they sent forward three scouts to examine it.103 On entering, these only found a great number of persons sitting there, in clerical habits,10? with a light in the midst, and with books open before them. The soldiers had placed their enemies' heads in that order, now represented by the books, on the perusal of which the clerics seemed intent.110 On returning, his spies told their chiefs what they had seen, and again the leaders despatched three other scouts to return and report the result of their errand. As in the former instance, clerics were seen reading their books. Whereupon, the band of ConalFs enemies returned to their homes. On the following day, ambassadors were sent to Conall,111 and these asked him for those heads

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Kildare, you are passing the town of St. Brigid. After an earlier battle, Conall visited the abbess and laid aside his warlike emblems at her request. She told him: "Because you have renounced these badges at my suggestion, in whatever danger you may be placed, invoke my intercession, and the Almighty will defend you on my account, and you shall be preserved from danger." The promise was fulfilled some time later. Conall led a large army into his enemies' territories and won a great victory. Returning towards his own country, night fell, and he entered a deserted fort by the way-side. His soldiers warned him they were too near their enemies' haunts, that pursuers might steal on them unawares and kill them sleeping. Conall replied that he was fatigued, but the pious Brigid had promised to defend him whenever he invoked her. He said her prediction must infallibly come to pass, and commended himself and his forces to God's protection through her holy invocation. Their enemies came that night on their track. They sent three scouts to examine the fort. On entering, the scouts found a great number of persons in clerical habits, with a light in their midst and books open before them. The soldiers had placed their enemies' heads in that order, now represented by the books the clerics seemed intent on reading. The scouts reported what they saw, and the leaders sent three more scouts. Again, clerics were seen reading their books. Whereupon, the band of enemies returned to their homes. On the following day, ambassadors were sent to Conall, and these asked him for those heads.

32. St. Brigid founds her nunnery at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 480–490

    St. Brigid brought Bishop Mel to Kildare to draw out the plan of her city, with King Ailill supplying and paying builders. Various historians and annalists dated the founding of her nunnery at Kildare to between roughly 480 and 490 AD.

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    founded there, has furnished a subject for discordant opinions." From what has been already stated, it would seem to be not altogether improbable, that it had an earlier origin, than most historians have very generally assumed. She may have commenced her buildings not very many years after A.D. 470. Sir James Ware** and Harris," (J'Halloraiv* and Haverty?? refer the founda tion of her nunnery at Kildure to about the year 480. If we are to credit what appears to lie a purely legendary account, when St. Brigid brought Bishop Mel with her to draw out the plan of her city, Ailill, son of Dunlaing, was king over Leinstcr. It is also stated, that he fed the builders and paid their rightful wages. 58 Colgan was of opinion, that her convent might have been before or about the year 483. Archdall writes, that her nunnery was founded here before A.D. 484.5; About the latter year, John D' Alton states,60 St. Brigid founded both the nunnery and monastery at Kildarc. However, the first institute had undoubtedly the precedence of several years over the latter establishment. The year 484 is the date given for St. Brigid's establish ment at Kildare, by William M. Hennessy,61 and by Thomas James Rawson.62 Dr. Lanigan assigns it to about A.D. 487,^ or at least to before the year 490.c+ He says, that if we are to believe what is said about St. Brigid having foretold to llland, King of North Leinster,65 that he should be victorious in his battles, one of which was that in which Aengus, King of Cashel, was killed, the house at Kildare must have been established before A.D. 490. For, she is spoken of as already settled there, and that was the year in which Aengus fell.

    The nunnery of Kildarc, at first humble in si/.e and pretensions,66 and poorly endowed, in a great measure had been supported by eleemosynary contributions, brought by people living in the neighbourhood. But, by degrees, its reputation and the fame of its holy foundress became better established. Many pious ladies desired admission to this house, which, in a. short time, became inconveniently crowded.0? Soon there was a need for

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kildare, you are passing through the town where St. Brigid founded her nunnery. The date is not settled, but most place it between 480 and 490. Sir James Ware and Harris put it at about 480. Colgan thought it might be before or about 483. Archdall wrote that her nunnery was founded here before 484 and a half. John D'Alton says she founded both the nunnery and monastery at Kildare about that year. William Hennessy and Thomas Rawson give 484. Dr. Lanigan assigns it to about 487, or at least before 490. There is a story, called a purely legendary account, that St. Brigid brought Bishop Mel with her to draw out the plan of her city. At that time, Ailill, son of Dunlaing, was king over Leinster. He fed the builders and paid their rightful wages. The nunnery at first was humble in size, poorly endowed, and supported in great measure by charitable contributions brought by people living in the neighbourhood. By degrees, its reputation and the fame of its holy foundress became better established. Many pious ladies desired admission, and in a short time the house became inconveniently crowded. Lanigan adds that St. Brigid had foretold to Illand, King of North Leinster, that he should be victorious in his battles. One of those battles was that in which Aengus, King of Cashel, was killed, and that fell in 490. She is spoken of as already settled at Kildare by then, which gives a date before that year.

33. St Brigid multiplies food for St Patrick at Kill-Laisre

    Killaraght · townland · Sligo

    While resting at Kill-Laisre, St Brigid received St Patrick and a great multitude seeking hospitality. Though the nuns had only twelve loaves, an egg, and a little milk, Brigid predicted this would suffice, and the provisions miraculously increased after the meal.

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    son to Fcthlemid, son to King Leogaire.s This identification, however, is not well ascertained.* Her place is called Kill-Laisre,s or " Laisre's Church ;"6 although it is difficult to identify the foundress,? among the many recurring and similar names inscribed on our calendars.8 While resting at this retreat, on the evening of a particular day, accompanied by a great multitude, St. Patrick, it is said, came to demand hospitality. Then, the nuns of St. Laisre's church,? being concerned about the poor provision made in that place for entertaining such a number of persons, manifested their inquietude to St. Brigid. She enquired, what store they possessed. Being told, they had only twelve loaves, an egg, and a little milk,10 which were prepared for herself and her sisters, our 'holy abbess replied, that these should prove sufficient for a great number of persons, through God's bounty. She then required the Sacred Scriptures to be read, so that their corporal necessities might presently be forgotten. St. Brigid and St. Patrick afterwards partook of some food, which had been prepared. The quantity of provisions greatly increased, even when their repast concluded. St. Lasrea then offered her place to God and to St. Brigid, for ever.11 This account seems to indicate, that previously, it had been a convent and not subject to her jurisdiction.

    Our Divine Redeemer proclaimed, " Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God."12 While holy Brigid remained at the nunnery of St. Lasara, a certain man, whose wife bore him some un accountable aversion, came to the virgin. He entreated, that she should employ her pious offices for the restoration of a connubial love, which ought to exist between himself and his companion. Then, Christ's holy spouse, blessing some water, ordered the man to sprinkle his house with it, in God's name.^ This order he obeyed. During the absence of his wife, food and drink, with his bed, were aspersed by him. When she returned home,14 her

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 70

34. St. Brigid Prays for Birth of King Diermit at Breagh

    Breagh · townland · Armagh

    At her cell in the plain of Breagh, a noble-born woman, the wife of Fergus, brought St. Brigid a silver vessel and sought her intercession for a child. St. Brigid's prayers were credited with the birth of Diermit, who became supreme Monarch of Ireland, though she predicted his posterity would be addicted to bloodshed.

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    visited her, to entreat her intercession. The noble-born woman, in question, brought a silver vessel, as a gift for our saint. Brigid sent one of her nuns to wait upon that distinguished visitor, who stood without the door. For some cause, the holy abbess herself did not wish to appear." The nun soon returned, asking why her superioress would not see the queen and pray to God for her, that thus she might obtain the object desired by the royal visitor, and more especially, as the holy virgin had often asked for like favours, on behalf of peasants' wives. The saint of God replied, that with few exceptions, the poor and rustics serve Almighty God, and pray to Him; whilst, only in few instances, is it found, that the children of km^s are not malicious, sons of blood, and libenmes. However, the queen appears to have obtained the favour she sought, through the intervention of our holy abbess. To her prayers is attributed the birth of Diermit,80 son to Fergus,81 and afterwards supreme Monarch of Ireland.82 In granting her request, however, our saint told the nun, that the queen's posterity must needs be addicted to deeds of blood,hed,83 and must incur malediction, even although they should reign for a lapse of years.8* The event corresponded with our saint s prediction.^

    This illustrious abbess did not take her mind or her attention from our Lord, for the space of one hour at any time. She was constantly speakin" of Him, and she was ever thinking of Hun, as is evident from her own life, and also from the life of St. Brenainn, Bishop of Gluam-fearta.86 She was very hospitable, likewise, and exceedingly charitable towards guests and needy people.^ Animated with this kindly and generous spirit towards her neighbour, she loved God to such a degree, that her mind was continually intent on His Divine perfections, and elevated by holy contemplation. One

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 96

35. St. Brigid's Stone and penitential practice at Faughart

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 1750

    About the middle of the eighteenth century, St. Brigid's Stone stood at Faughart with a raised horse-shoe-shaped work, containing a rough rocky flint on which penitents knelt with bared knees. Nuns of the convent reportedly went on their knees around the circles according to their penitence.

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    battle, which he fought on the i4th of October, A.D. 1318,'* at Foughart. * Many of his chieftains and soldiers, Irish and Scots, fell in this short but decisive conflict.2*6 Although during the course of three years,2*? pending which lie waged war in Ireland, Edward Bruce had encountered the English armies in eighteen successive and victorious battles,2*8 their great numerical superiority at the battle of Foughart caused victory to favour the arms ot England from the very first onset.2** From the south-west corner < church, and removed about four yards, the grave of Edward Bruce is shown.3 The authentication, however, is only sustained by a popular tradition. About the middle of the last century, St. Brigid's Stone, having a raised work about it in the form of a horse-shoe, was to be seen at Foughart. 3« In the middle was a rough rocky flint, on which with bared knees penitents were accustomed to kneel. Raised upon two circular and concentric steps was elevated St. Brigid's pillar. ^ Only the circular stones are now noticeable within the graveyard^ These are singularly suggestive of having been the base of a round tower. The burial-ground is well enclosed with a fine fence and a quick-set hedge of grown hawthorns. It rises high over the adjacent fields. North-west of the old church, and within the graveyard enclosure, is shown " St. Brigid's Well."3°4 It was dried up,3°s when visited

    And a thousand green islets, with foam

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 28

36. St. Brigid's vision of the four ploughs at Finnabhair

    Findermore · townland · Tyrone

    While St. Patrick preached for three days at the hill of Finnabhair in the plain of Lemhuin, St. Brigid fell asleep and had a vision of ploughs, sowers, and rivulets of milk across Ireland, followed by dark ploughmen destroying the crop. St. Patrick interpreted this as a prophecy of the corruption of faith by false teachers.

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    ALTHOUGH some doubts have been expressed, that St. Brigid could have taken a very distinguished part in Irish Church affairs, during the lifetime of our venerable Apostle ; yet, to us, it seems perfectly reconcileable, not only with our early narratives, but with received chronology, that the glorious daughter of Krin might have had interviews with her illustrious director, both before and after the time of her foundation at Kildare. To determine ex actly dates for the following written incidents is, however, a matter of great difficulty. We must endeavour conjecturally to place them in their order of occurrence, so far as probabilities will allow us to continue. Perhaps, the arrangement, with better lights of view, might admit of various alterations or adaptations. After certain miraculous occurrences, related in her acts, took place — the date or locality unnoted — it is said our saint went towards the northern part of Ireland, accompanied by St. Patrick.1 On a certain day, while the great Irish Apostle in the plain of Lemhuin2 preached God's holy word from a hill3 to the people there, at a place called Finnabhair, 4 or "the white field," St. Brigid slept. She was probably very young at this time. After his sermon had been concluded,5 St. Patrick asked her why she had fallen asleep while the sacred word of God was announced.6 Then the humble virgin, on her knees, asked his pardon. She said : " O lather, for give me ; O most pious Lord, spare me, for during this hour, I have had a vision." The illustrious missionary desired her to tell what she had seen. Whereupon, the devout virgin announced : " I, your servant, have beheld four ploughs, ploughing the whole of Ireland, while sowers were scattering seed.7 This latter immediately sprung up and began to ripen, when rivulets of fresh milk filled the furrows, while the sowers themselves were clothed in white garments. After this, I saw others plough, and those who ploughed appeared black.8 They destroyed, with their plough-shares, the growing

    CHAPTER vn.— r See Colgan's "Trias 150, and n. n, p. 184.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 89

37. The ungrateful leper drowned in the river with the cow

    near River Barrow · river · Carlow

    Two lepers seeking alms received a single cow to divide, but one demanded the whole animal and insulted Brigid when he could not move it. She cursed him as a son of perdition; he later drowned while driving his cow to a river, identified as the Barrow.

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    Two other lepers seeking alms came to the charitable abbess. But, she had nothing to give at the time, save a cow, and this she offered for division between them. One gave thanks to God for her gift ; but the other, who was proud and ungrateful, said, unless the whole cow were bestowed, he should not receive that part of it, which might fall to his lot.So Then our saint addressed the humble leper : " Do you wait awhile with me, until the Lord send us something, and let the other man have this cow to himself." The covetous man departed with the animal, but after awhile he found him self unable to drive it. At length, wearied with such vain efforts, he re turned to St. Brigid. He even insulted her with reproaches, conveyed in these terms : " 1 could not urge the animal forward, because you have not given her, with a willing mind, besides you are too exacting and severe." The abbess endeavoured to appease him, but she could not succeed. This conduct, so perfectly unjustifiable, much displeased her. At length, she said to the insolent fellow, " Thou art a son of perdition, and your cow shall now become docile, yet this shall not profit you in the least." At that very moment, a man presented himself with a cow, which he destined as an offering for St. Brigid. This gift, however, our virgin handed over to the good leper. Then both lepers drove their respective cows towards a river.81 Here the unthankful man was drowned, nor was his body afterwards re covered. The humble leper safely escaped from danger, and brought his cow with him.82

    76 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga." Ixxvii., p. 537, ibid.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 77

38. Sinking boat miracle saves timid nun crossing the Shannon

    Athlone · town · Westmeath

    A young, timid nun crossed the Shannon in a small hired boat ahead of Brigid; the boat sank mid-stream, but through Brigid's blessing and prayer the nun was carried safely to shore without even wetting her garments, amazing all witnesses.

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    vants.120 Then they besought their holy abbess to make a sign of the cross over the Shannon waters, that they might decrease, so as to become fordable. This request she heard most favourably : with her sisters she entered the river, and in presence of people belonging to both contending factions. To the wonder and admiration of beholders, although without the aid of boats, the strongest men and soldiers there assembled could not pass, it was found, the waters did not reach the knees of this holy company of virgins, then crossing. Before the saint and her companions entered the river, some clerics, who had hired a small vessel, asked one of Brigid's nuns to accom pany them. She permitted a young and timid sister to cross the river before her in that vessel.1-'1 This virgin had previously asked the blessing of her superioress, from whom she feared to be separated in crossing over ; and Brigid said : '• Go in peace, the Lord will preserve you.'"' But, in sight of all, the bark sunk in the mid-stream, when, fearful of danger, the men invoked aid from the holy abbess. Brigid blessed and prayed for her nun ; the waves carried this sister safely to her destination, without even wetting her garments. All, who were near the spot, gave glory to God, and lauded the wonders it pleased Heaven to accomplish through the merits of our illus trious saint.1-'2 Yet greater moral miracles than these was she destined to effect ; and, filled with a happy inspiration, she directed her course to that place, which afterwards became inseparably connected with her heroic actions while living, and with their memory, when she was called away to her eternal reward.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athlone, you are near the Shannon, where a story of Brigid is told. People here asked Brigid to bless the river so the waters would decrease and become fordable. She entered the Shannon with her sisters, and though the strongest men assembled there could not pass without boats, the waters did not reach the knees of this holy company of virgins as they crossed. Before Brigid entered the river, some clerics who had hired a small vessel asked one of her nuns to accompany them. She permitted a young and timid sister to cross ahead of her in that vessel. The sister had asked Brigid's blessing first, fearing to be separated from her. Brigid said, "Go in peace, the Lord will preserve you." In sight of all, the boat sank in the mid-stream. The men, fearful of danger, called on the holy abbess for aid. Brigid blessed and prayed for her nun, and the waves carried this sister safely to her destination without even wetting her garments. All who were near gave glory to God and praised the wonders accomplished through Brigid. After this she directed her course to the place that became inseparably connected with her heroic actions in life and with their memory after she was called to her eternal reward.

39. Battle of Ocha near Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath · 478–483

    The celebrated battle of Ocha, said to have been fought near Tara (Themoria), saw the supreme monarch Oilioll Molt slain by Lughaidh, son of Leaghaire, with dates variously given as 478, 482, or 483.

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    During the course of these foregoing public events, Enna or Endeus Kinnselach, descended from Catheir Mor,25 had founded the tribe and district of Ui-Kinnselach, in South Leinster, to which he gave name.26 _ After the father's death, his son Crimthann took possession of this inheritance, and afterwards, it is thought, he was king over the whole of Leinster. This warrior dynast2? joined in a confederacy with Lugaid28 son to the monarch Leaghaire, Fiachra, Muircheartach Mac Earca, and Fearghus Cerbhell. The Leinstermen were led by Crimthann, and the Dal-Araidhe2? by their Dynast Fiachra. Different versions of their proceedings are given ; however, it is generally allowed, that the supreme monarch, Uilioll Molt, either gave or was obliged to accept battle at Ocha, which is said to have been near Themoria or Tara. This celebrated engagement took place, according to some accounts, A.D. 478,3° while others defer it to A.D. 48231 Or 483. 32 Crimthann

    a3 "The Annals of the Four Masters" tell us that St. 1'atrick died, A.D. 493, in the fifteenth year of Lughaidh's reign, and that he was buried at Down. See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i., pp. 154 to 159, with accompanying notes.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 83

40. Chieftain of the plain of the Liffey saved by St. Brigid's blessing

    near River Liffey · river · Dublin

    A chieftain who lived in the plain of the Liffey received St. Brigid's blessing before returning to his castle, where that night an enemy stabbed him three times with his own sword yet he survived unharmed, attributing his escape to the saint's blessing.

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    The social relations of men were often disturbed by violence and treachery at that early period. A chieftain, who lived in the plain of the Liffey. came towards our saint, asking her blessing. This the holy virgin specially be stowed on him. With great joy, the chief returned to his castle. But during the night, a daring and hostile man entered the fort, while its occupants were asleep. Taking a light from its candlestick.'1 he sought the slumbering chieftain. lie was found with a sword, laid on the pillow, beside him. Seizing this sword of the chieftain, his enemy plunged it with great force three several times, as he thought, into the owner's heart, and afterwards he lied. The castle inmates aroused soon discovered what had taken place. They sent forth loud cries and lamentations, supposing their chief had been slain. The latter, however, seemed to awaken as it were from sleep, and it was found the wound he received was not of a dangerous character. He consoled his friends by saying : " Cease your lamentations, for St. Brigid's blessing, which I obtained to-day, hath preserved me from this great danger." The chieftain, to manifest his gratitude for that miraculous escape, visited St. Brigid. thanking her and offering her valuable presents, on the following day. Our saint established peace, afterwards, between the chief and that enemy, who sought his life, as also among their posterity. This too was continued for an indefinite period/'2 Thus her mediation, through God's blessing, was both effective and lasting. Can we doubt, therefore, as her protection over her people was so powerful on earth, that it will be less exercised in heaven, on behalf of those, who devoutly invoke her vigilant advocacy ? Too fre quently, alas ! do we forget the powerful assistance our great national saints can render us before the throne of God.

    E3 See Colon's "Trias Thaumaturga." and died A. n. 514." — Sir William Robert

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 88

41. Dagobert of Austrasia's refuge at Slane in 653

    Slane · townland · Meath · 653

    It is recorded that Dagobert, King of Austrasia, took refuge at Slane at the age of seven when he was banished to Ireland by Grimoald, Mayor of the Palace, in the year 653.

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    34 At Slane, it is said, Dagobert, King of her nunnery at Kildare, seems uncertain. Austrasia, took refuge, when he was ban- Perhaps, she made more journeys than one ished into Ireland, by Grimoald, Mayor of to either province, for she appears to have the Palace, at the age of seven years, and been an indefatigable traveller on her holy A.D. 653. missions, like the great Apostle St. Patrick.

    35 Canons Regular of St. Augustine have 4I See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical Hisbeen placed here by Harris, and St. Patrick tory of Ireland," vol. i., chap, via., sec. x., is called the founder in the sixth century. n. 116, p. 407.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Slane, in 653, a seven-year-old boy king found shelter here. Dagobert, King of Austrasia, was banished to Ireland by Grimoald, Mayor of the Palace, and took refuge at Slane. A child of seven, driven from his own kingdom and sent across the sea to safety in Meath.

42. Foughart graveyard associated with the Bruce invasion

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 1315–1318

    The graveyard at Foughart, still used for interments and containing the base of an old cross, is intimately associated with the invasion of Ireland by King Robert Bruce of Scotland and his brother Edward Bruce.

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    The people of Foughart neighbourhood2^ preserved a tradition, that this church had been built by St. Brigid— especially the eastern part—- although they knew not that here285 was her birthplace.28? The graveyard of Foughart is still much used for interments. The base of an old cross yet rises over the graves. This last resting-place of the dead is intimately asso ciated with the invasion of Ireland by King Robert Bruce288 of Scotland,2^ and by his brother Edward Brucc,2y0 who prosecuted it to a disastrous issue.2"'

    281 About a yard in length retained the original height of 14 feet towards the mid dle ; it was lower towards the east gable.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 26

43. Miraculous Warning Saves Dubtach's House Near Naas from Fire

    Naas · town · Kildare

    During a visit to her father Dubtach's house, St. Brigid received an angelic warning that enemies planned to burn the house and murder the household; she roused the family to flee, and the house was set ablaze in their absence, sparing all lives.

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    the son of Enna Kinscllagh, while Finnchadh,2 and afterwards his son Fraech,3 ruled in that territory, the star of lolland or Illand* appears to have been in the ascendant, throughout the province. This enterprising hero was the son of Dunlaing,s who preceded him in the government, at least of its northern division. Illand and his brother Ailill6 received bap tism at the hands of St. Patrick. 7 After St. Brigid had taken possession of Kildare, as may be inferred from accounts left us in her acts, that religious daughter paid a visit to the house of her father, Dubtach, after a long inter val of absence from her parents,8 Her father and all her relatives greatly rejoiced at her arrival. No mention is made of her mother as then living.^ Dubtach earnestly desired her to remain that night under his roof. With this request she complied. During her sleep, an angel sent from God ap peared to her. Then awaking, she heard these words addressed to her : "Arise immediately, and arouse your father, with his whole family, and your religious daughters, now sleeping ; for, with an intention of murdering your father and his household, an enemy approaches. But, the Lord will prevent such intention, on your account. Depart instantly from this house, for the foe will soon set it on fire." Our saint obeyed this portentous man date, and warning the inmates, these fled. On approaching, their, enemy was greatly disappointed, not finding any of the family present. Dubtach and others, on seeing the house blazing at a distance, cried out : " 0 holy Brigid, thy blessing hath preserved us this night from impending death. We are now conscious of all those wonderful things predicted concerning thee." Our saint replied : " Not only on this night, but so long as you live, blood shall not be shed within your dwelling." This prediction proved true on a subsequent occasion, for when a certain man intended to strike a woman there, his hand became stiff as he tried to extend it. Nor could he draw it back, until he had abandoned that wicked intention.10

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Naas in Kildare, and this is where St. Brigid came back to visit her father Dubtach's house after a long time away. Her father and relatives were overjoyed to see her. Dubtach asked her to stay the night under his roof, and she agreed. While she slept, an angel sent from God appeared to her, and she woke to hear these words: "Arise immediately, and arouse your father, with his whole family, and your religious daughters, now sleeping; for, with an intention of murdering your father and his household, an enemy approaches. But the Lord will prevent such intention, on your account. Depart instantly from this house, for the foe will soon set it on fire." Brigid obeyed, warned everyone inside, and they all fled. When the enemy arrived, he was greatly disappointed to find no one present. Dubtach and the others, watching the house blaze from a distance, cried out that Brigid's blessing had preserved them from impending death. Brigid told them that not only that night but so long as they lived, blood would not be shed within their dwelling. And that proved true, because on a later occasion a man tried to strike a woman there, and his hand became stiff as he extended it. He could not draw it back until he abandoned that wicked intention.

44. Sisters of the Holy Faith founded at Glasnevin under St. Brigid's patronage

    Glasnevin · townland · Dublin · 1857–1867

    The house and chapel of the Sisters of the Holy Faith at Glasnevin are under the patronage of St. Brigid; in 1857 Miss Aylward formed a Ladies' Association of Charity there to rescue Catholic children from proselytism, which grew into this religious community.

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    The house and chapel of the Sisters of the Holy Faith, at Glasnevm, diocese of Dublin, are under the patronage of St. Brigid. In the beginning of 1857, a Ladies' Association of Charity, under the zealous and self-denying Miss Aylward, had been formed to rescue from proselytism Catholic children exposed to danger. An admirable system was adopted, for placing these with Catholic families, until they could be educated and provided with means for earning an honest livelihood. St. Brigid was chosen as patroness of this good work. When the orphanage was begun, no one dreamt of establishing a new community to take charge of it. On the contrary, great efforts were made to avoid anything of the sort : but, Providence made use of those very efforts to accomplish His will. After some trials and much labour, two or three ladies associated themselves,262 to examine cases of proselytism tc rescue those orphans in greatest danger of losing the faith, to make clothes for them, and to superintend their rearing and education. This little seed, cast upon the earth by a seeming accident, took root and grew, ciates in 1867 numbered twenty-two. These ladies are united by the sacred bonds of religion, under the title, Sisters of the Holy Faith.2^ The Cardinal

    there, when improvements were effected in P.P., granted May 3<Dth 1869. _ the entourage of the new church, which, *° See "The Life of St. Brigid, "by an with its twin sister, the Church of the Im- Irish Priest, chap, xui., pp. l»4 to lf>7maculate Conception and of St. John Bap- =6< Much of the foregoing information, re list, has been erected by the respected parish garding the Brigitine Nuns, was kindly priest Very Rev. James Canon Roche, as communicated, by the Superioress of Mountenduring monuments of his indomitable la- rath Convent, Sister Mary J. Peter Stem, bour and pious zeal for the greater glory of in a letter, addressed to the writer, A.I). God * ^6.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Glasnevin, in Dublin, the house and chapel of the Sisters of the Holy Faith stand under the patronage of St. Brigid. In the beginning of 1857, Miss Aylward, zealous and self-denying, formed a Ladies' Association of Charity to rescue Catholic children exposed to the danger of proselytism. They adopted a system for placing these children with Catholic families, until they could be educated and provided with means for earning an honest livelihood. St. Brigid was chosen as patroness of this good work. When the orphanage was begun, no one dreamt of establishing a new community to take charge of it. Great efforts were made to avoid anything of the sort. But Providence made use of those very efforts to accomplish His will. After some trials and much labour, two or three ladies associated themselves. They examined cases of proselytism and rescued those orphans in greatest danger of losing the faith. They made clothes for them and superintended their rearing and education. This little seed, cast upon the earth by a seeming accident, took root and grew. The associates in 1867 numbered twenty-two. These ladies were united by the sacred bonds of religion, under the title Sisters of the Holy Faith. On the 30th of May 1869, the Cardinal granted his approval. A new church was erected, with its twin sister, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St. John Baptist, by the respected parish priest, the Very Reverend James Canon Roche, as enduring monuments of his labour and pious zeal for the greater glory of God.

45. St. Brigid Diverts a River to Aid Her Road-Building Workers

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    When a powerful clan unfairly forced St. Brigid's weaker workers to build the difficult river section of a royal road near Kildare, she declared the river would move its course. The next morning the river had shifted away from her workers' section toward the oppressors' section, leaving a dry channel still visible in Cogitosus's time.

    Read the passage

    and should run through that section, chosen by their oppressors. On the morning, when all were assembled for the work, it was found, the river left its former bed, and that place, for which St. Brigid's friends had been specially drafted ; while, its course ran near to that quarter, selected by the numerous and powerful clan, who had thought to circumvent and oppress their weaker fellow-labourers. As a proof of this miracle, attributed to the holy abbess, Cogitosus remarks, the deserted channel and empty valley, which had formerly been filled with water, might be seen, in his time ; while, the river itself flowed at some distance from this natural channel, but then a dry and deserted hollow.05 Long after the illustrious saint's departure, popular tradition preserved a recollection of the supernatural occurrence, and associated it with some particular conformation of ground,?6 which probably has not yet disappeared. It seems not unlikely, a river not far from Kildare and some contiguous boggy or low-lying land may afford a clue to discover that dried channel.

    Among the number of our saint's miracles, Cogitosus tells us, that the following occurrence is not the least memorable. Three lepers, having asked an alms from St. Brigid, received from her a silver vessel.97 Fearing, how ever, that distributing the proceeds of this gift might prove a cause of con tention among them, our saint directed a certain man, accustomed to deal in silver and gold, that he should divide the vessel into three equal parts. One of these was to be the property of each leper. The dealer in precious metals began to excuse himself, by saying, that he could not fairly execute such a commission. Then, holy Brigid, taking the silver vessel, cast it against a stone and broke it, as she intended, into three parts equally valuable. s8 Wonderful to relate ! when these three divisions were afterwards weighed, no single fragment was found to be lighter or heavier than another,00even in the slightest appreciable degree. Thus, without envy or quarrel, these poor men returned joyfully to their homes.100

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Kildare now. The old story from here tells of St. Brigid and a river that shifted its course. A royal road was being built, and its route had to cross a river. A numerous and powerful clan arranged that the difficult river section be assigned to St. Brigid's weaker workers, thinking to circumvent and oppress their fellow labourers. Brigid declared the river would move. On the morning when all were assembled for the work, the river had left its former bed. Its course now ran near the section the powerful clan had chosen for themselves, while the place where Brigid's friends had been specially drafted was left dry. This was regarded as a miracle attributed to the holy abbess. Cogitosus, who wrote the life of St. Brigid, says that in his time the deserted channel and empty valley, formerly filled with water, could still be seen as proof. The river itself flowed at some distance from this natural channel, leaving a dry and deserted hollow. Long after the saint's departure, popular tradition preserved a recollection of the supernatural occurrence and associated it with a particular conformation of ground, which probably had not yet disappeared. The writer suggests that a river not far from Kildare, with some contiguous boggy or low-lying land, may still offer a clue to finding that dried channel.

46. St. Brigid's Miraculous Pastures at Kildare

    Curragh · townland · Kildare

    Beautiful plains near Kildare called St. Brigid's pastures were never ploughed, and though animals from surrounding districts grazed there constantly, the herbage remained miraculously luxuriant.

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    What is furthermore remarkable, from the time of St. Brigid and after her death until the twelfth century, an even number, including twenty nuns, and the abbess, had remained in Kildare nunnery. Each of these religious, in rotation, nightly watched this inextinguishable fire. On the twentieth night, having placed wood on its embers, the last nun said : " O Brigid, guard thy fires, for this night the duty devolves on thyself." Then the nun left that pyre, but although the wood might have been all consumed before morning, yet the coals remained alive and inextinguishable. A circular hedge of shrubs or thorns surrounded it, and no male person dare presume to enter within that sacred enclosure, lest he might provoke Divine vengeance, as had been ex perienced by a certain rash man, who ventured to transgress this ordinance. Women only were allowed to tend that fire. Even these attendants were not permitted to blow it with their breath ; but, they used boughs of trees as fans for this purpose. Young goats could not even penetrate the enclosure, through St. Brigid's miraculous intervention. At Kildare, also, were to be seen most beautiful plains, which were called St. Brigid's pastures, and no one dared disturb them with the plough.2? Besides, it was considered almost miraculous, although animals of all the surrounding districts grazed on these lands, 3° from the rising to the setting sun, on the following morning this herbage seemed luxuriant as ever.31 The same remarks well apply to the celebrated racing ground of the Curragh,32 in the nineteenth as well as during the twelfth century.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here are the beautiful plains known as St. Brigid's pastures. No one dared disturb them with the plough, and though animals from all the surrounding districts grazed on these lands from morning to night, the herbage seemed as luxuriant as ever the following morning. It was considered almost miraculous. The same land is the celebrated racing ground of the Curragh, known in the twelfth century and still used for racing in the nineteenth. Kildare also held another wonder in Brigid's time. An inextinguishable fire burned here, tended nightly by nuns in rotation, twenty of them plus the abbess. On the twentieth night the last nun would place wood on the embers and say: 'O Brigid, guard thy fires, for this night the duty devolves on thyself.' She would leave, and though the wood might be consumed by morning, the coals stayed alive. A circular hedge of shrubs and thorns surrounded the fire, and no male dared enter, lest he provoke divine vengeance, as one rash man discovered. Women alone tended it, fanning the flames with boughs rather than their breath. Even young goats could not penetrate the enclosure, through Brigid's miraculous intervention.

47. St Patrick's Three-Day Sermon at Finn-abhuir in Tyrone

    near Clogher · town · Tyrone · 432–493

    St Patrick is said to have preached for three days and nights on a hill called Finn-abhuir in the territory of Lemania (Magh-lemna, otherwise Clossach), a rural district of Tyrone in the diocese of Clogher. St Brigid was present among the vast multitude and fell into an ecstatic vision during the sermon.

    Read the passage

    to a vast multitude of persons, Bridget formed one of the number. Then she is said to have been illustrious for her gifts of prophecy and miracles. The place, where St. Patrick is said to have preached on this occasion, we find called, the territory of Lemania. It was a rural district of Tyrone, in the diocese of Clogher, and commonly called Magh-lemna, otherwise Clossach. It is said, that St. Patrick stood on a hill, called Finn-abhuir. We are told, likewise, that the Irish Apostle preached here with great fervour for a dura tion of three days and three nights, while the people were so enraptured with his discourse, they did not think a single day had elapsed, pending this long interval. 10^ While listening to him, she was transported into such an ecstacy, that the people thought she had fallen asleep. During this time, Engid had a vision, regarding that present, and a future state of the Irish Church. Then on awaking, St. Patrick desired her to relate what she had seen. She told him, at first, that she had seen a herd of white oxen amid white crops ; then, she beheld spotted animals of different colours ; and after these appeared black and darkly-coloured cattle. Afterwards sheep and swine were seen ; lastly dogs and wolves worrying each other. I0* Yet while Brigid seemed to sleep, St. Patrick would not allow the congregation to awaken her, until she came to a state of consciousness of her own accord. The Irish Apostle afterwards told the people, that her vision referred to that present and to a future state of the Church in Ireland.10^

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 44

48. Miraculous Silver Vessel Divided Equally for Three Lepers

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Three lepers asked St. Brigid for alms and she gave them a silver vessel to share. When a metalworker refused to divide it fairly, Brigid herself broke it against a stone into three perfectly equal parts, so that no fragment weighed more than another.

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    Among the number of our saint's miracles, Cogitosus tells us, that the following occurrence is not the least memorable. Three lepers, having asked an alms from St. Brigid, received from her a silver vessel.97 Fearing, how ever, that distributing the proceeds of this gift might prove a cause of con tention among them, our saint directed a certain man, accustomed to deal in silver and gold, that he should divide the vessel into three equal parts. One of these was to be the property of each leper. The dealer in precious metals began to excuse himself, by saying, that he could not fairly execute such a commission. Then, holy Brigid, taking the silver vessel, cast it against a stone and broke it, as she intended, into three parts equally valuable. s8 Wonderful to relate ! when these three divisions were afterwards weighed, no single fragment was found to be lighter or heavier than another,00even in the slightest appreciable degree. Thus, without envy or quarrel, these poor men returned joyfully to their homes.100

    We are informed,101 that while the holy abbess and her nuns were en gaged in prayer, a certain rich nobleman suffered from a dangerous attack of fever.102 Setting little account on his temporal possessions, at that time, and being willing to perform a meritorious action, he desired his servants to select and present the best cow from his herd, as a gift for our saint. His ser vants, however, selected the worst heifer, which could be found ; but, on the

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Kildare, the town itself. St. Brigid was its first abbess, and one of the miracles recorded by Cogitosus here is not the least memorable. Three lepers asked her for alms, and she gave them a silver vessel. Fearing that distributing the proceeds of this gift might cause contention among them, she directed a man accustomed to dealing in silver and gold to divide the vessel into three equal parts, one for each leper. The dealer began to excuse himself, saying he could not fairly execute such a commission. So holy Brigid took the silver vessel herself, cast it against a stone, and broke it into three parts, as she intended, equally valuable. Wonderful to relate, when these three divisions were afterwards weighed, no single fragment was found to be lighter or heavier than another, even in the slightest appreciable degree. Without envy or quarrel, these poor men returned joyfully to their homes. We are also informed that while the holy abbess and her nuns were engaged in prayer, a rich nobleman suffered a dangerous attack of fever. Setting little account on his temporal possessions at that time, and willing to perform a meritorious action, he desired his servants to select and present the best cow from his herd as a gift for the saint. His servants, however, selected the worst heifer that could be found.

49. Brigid crosses the Shannon near Athlone amid factional contention

    Athlone · town · Westmeath

    Travelling back to Leinster, Brigid came to Ath-Luain (identified with the town of Athlone), a ford on the Shannon marking the boundary between Connaught and the Hi Niell territory of Meath, where she found people of both factions contending with each other.

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    we are told, that she came to a place called Ath-Luainri3 for this purpose. Tne present town of Athlone11-* probably marks the spot. This is situated nearly in the centre of Ireland, being partly in the county of Roscommon, and partly in that of Westmeath. It is thought to have derived its name from Ath, an Irish word signifying " ford," and Lnan, " the moon,"11' to which heathen deity it was said to have been dedicated in pagan times.116 Near it is Tobar-Brigdhe, on the Connaught side. "7 Here, St. Bri<jid found some people, respectively belonging to the province of Connaught and to the race of Neill, contending with each other. The Shannon, the largest of our Irish rivers, formed a boundary, between the ancient provinces of Meath and Connaught. The former of these provinces belonged to the Hi Niell family, because the southern O'Neills, or the posterity of Laoim're, Conall, Crimtnam,Fiach,and Manius,four sous to Niell the great. King of Ireland, were its colonists. The companions of St. Brigid asked some ferry-men on the river bank to take them across, but the boatmen demnnded a fare for this service."3 This demand the sisters refused to comply with, and they de clared their intention to walk across the river,"9 believing that through St. Brigid's blessing the Almighty would preserve them, as he had formerly opened a passage through the Red Sea and the river Jordan, for his ser-

    the ancient territories of Thomoncl and Connaught. It is an island in the Shannon, now called Inis-Keltra. The circumstance of the Benedictine institute mentioned, as flourish ing there, at a time when the Sixth Life was written, may furnish a clue to the period of its composition. The foregoing Latin lines are quoted by Archdall. who gives us no account, however, regarding a Benedictine institute having been here established. Yet, he seems to refer its foundation to the seventh or eighth century. See " Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 48.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you near Athlone, you are coming to a place the old life of Brigid calls Ath-Luain. It sits nearly in the centre of Ireland, partly in the county of Roscommon and partly in Westmeath. Its name is thought to come from Ath, meaning a ford, and Luain, the moon, a heathen deity to which the place was said to be dedicated in pagan times. Near it on the Connaught side is Tobar-Brigidhe. The Shannon, the largest of the Irish rivers, formed the boundary between the ancient provinces of Meath and Connaught. When Brigid came here, travelling back to Leinster, she found people of two factions contending with each other. One side belonged to the province of Connaught. The other belonged to the race of Niall, for Meath was the territory of the Hy Niall family. The southern O'Neills were the posterity of Laoghaire, Conall, Crimthann, Fiach, and Mainus, sons of Niall the Great, King of Ireland, and they were its colonists. The companions of St. Brigid asked ferry-men on the river bank to take them across. The boatmen demanded a fare for the service. The sisters refused to comply. They declared their intention to walk across the river, believing that through St. Brigid's blessing the Almighty would preserve them, as he had formerly opened a passage through the Red Sea and the river Jordan for his servants.

50. Brigid's Prophecy That No Blood Would Be Shed at Dubtach's Dwelling

    Naas · town · Kildare

    After saving her father's household from fire, Brigid prophesied that blood would never be shed within the dwelling; later a man's hand became rigidly stiff when he attempted to strike a woman there, until he abandoned his violent intent.

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    the son of Enna Kinscllagh, while Finnchadh,2 and afterwards his son Fraech,3 ruled in that territory, the star of lolland or Illand* appears to have been in the ascendant, throughout the province. This enterprising hero was the son of Dunlaing,s who preceded him in the government, at least of its northern division. Illand and his brother Ailill6 received bap tism at the hands of St. Patrick. 7 After St. Brigid had taken possession of Kildare, as may be inferred from accounts left us in her acts, that religious daughter paid a visit to the house of her father, Dubtach, after a long inter val of absence from her parents,8 Her father and all her relatives greatly rejoiced at her arrival. No mention is made of her mother as then living.^ Dubtach earnestly desired her to remain that night under his roof. With this request she complied. During her sleep, an angel sent from God ap peared to her. Then awaking, she heard these words addressed to her : "Arise immediately, and arouse your father, with his whole family, and your religious daughters, now sleeping ; for, with an intention of murdering your father and his household, an enemy approaches. But, the Lord will prevent such intention, on your account. Depart instantly from this house, for the foe will soon set it on fire." Our saint obeyed this portentous man date, and warning the inmates, these fled. On approaching, their, enemy was greatly disappointed, not finding any of the family present. Dubtach and others, on seeing the house blazing at a distance, cried out : " 0 holy Brigid, thy blessing hath preserved us this night from impending death. We are now conscious of all those wonderful things predicted concerning thee." Our saint replied : " Not only on this night, but so long as you live, blood shall not be shed within your dwelling." This prediction proved true on a subsequent occasion, for when a certain man intended to strike a woman there, his hand became stiff as he tried to extend it. Nor could he draw it back, until he had abandoned that wicked intention.10

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Naas, in County Kildare. The story here belongs to Brigid, the first abbess of Kildare and a patroness of Ireland. After she had taken charge at Kildare, she paid a visit to the house of her father Dubtach, after a long absence. Her father and relatives rejoiced at her arrival, and Dubtach asked her to stay the night. While she slept, an angel appeared and told her to rise immediately and rouse her father, his whole family, and her religious daughters, because an enemy was approaching with intent to murder them all. The angel said the Lord would prevent this on her account, and that they must leave the house at once, for the foe would set it on fire. Brigid obeyed, warned the inmates, and they fled. The enemy arrived and found no one. From a distance, Dubtach and the others watched the house blazing and cried out that Brigid's blessing had preserved them. Brigid replied that blood would not be shed within that dwelling, not only that night but so long as they lived. The prediction held. On a later occasion, a man there intended to strike a woman, but his hand became stiff as he tried to extend it, and he could not draw it back until he abandoned his violent intent.

51. Fugitive Maiden Takes Refuge with Brigid, Pursuers Frozen

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    A prince's daughter who had vowed chastity fled her forced marriage on the night of her nuptials and took refuge with St. Brigid. When her father pursued her with horsemen, Brigid made the sign of the cross and fixed them to the earth until they repented.

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    St. Brigid's great example drew other pious ladies to a cloistered life. The daughter of a certain prince had devoted herself to God, by a vow of chastity. But her father desired her to many a husband of his choice. On the night appointed for her nuptials, however, even when the marriage feast had been prepared, this maiden fled from her parents, and took refuge with Brigid.84 The following morning, the trembling fugitive's father pursued her, with some horsemen. Seeing this cavalcade at a distance, the glorious abbess made a sign of the cross. Then, all were fixed to the earth, until they had repented of their evil intention. Afterwards, these horsemen were liberated from their strange position. Thus was the protected lady delivered from a worldly spouse, and united to a heavenly one, according to her own most earnest desires.85

    It so happened, on a certain occasion, a person needing it, applied to Brigid for a measure86 of honey. Whilst our saint felt acutely, that she had

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 143

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, you are near the town where St. Brigid served as abbess. A prince's daughter had vowed herself to God in chastity, but her father arranged a marriage for her. On the very night the feast was prepared, the maiden fled and took refuge with Brigid. The next morning her father came after her with horsemen. Brigid saw them approaching and made the sign of the cross. Every rider was fixed to the earth, unable to move, until they repented of what they intended. Then they were freed. The young woman was spared a worldly husband and given over to the life she had desired.

52. Luminous Cloud Descends on Dun of Leathglass

    near Downpatrick · town · Down

    While St. Patrick preached in Ulster before a crowd including St. Brigid, a luminous cloud descended from heaven and drifted to rest over the citadel or Dun of Leathglass, a prominent earthwork still visible near Downpatrick, before disappearing.

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    word of God, in the province of Ulster, and while the pearl of Ireland66 formed one of a numerous concourse of persons present, the whole multi tude saw a cloud of surpassing brightness descending from the heavens to wards the earth.67 This luminous meteor rested over a place, adjoining that in which the congregation had been assembled. Afterwards, this bright meteor drifted towards the citadel or Dun of Leathglass.63 This remarkable Dun is still a prominent object near Downpatrick.6^ Having continued there for a considerable time, it finally disappeared. The congregation pre-

    60 Thus is St. Brigid poetically styled by

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 94

53. Miraculous Milk Miracle at Loch-leamhnachta

    near Tully · street · Dublin

    When St. Brigid's cook had insufficient provisions for visiting bishops, an angel told Brigid to have her cows milked, producing such abundance that all vessels were filled and milk flowed into a hollow, giving the place its name 'the lake of milk.'

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    company of venerable guests, who were probably Chorepiscopi,2* and she went to the cook, named Blathnata,23 to see if this latter had any refresh ments provided for their entertainment. Her cook replied, she had not a sufficiency of viands, and especially nothing in the shape of beverage was ready. Such an account caused St. frigid to experience a momentary con fusion ; but, recurring to prayer, an angel intimated to her, that her cows should be milked. When this had been effected, these cows gave such a quantity of milk, that all vessels in the place were soon filled. It is even said, the milk flowed in a stream along the ground towards a certain hollow, which was filled with this nourishing fluid. In after-times, that spot received the corresponding Irish name, Loch-leamnachta.26 or '•' the lake of milk."

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Tully is the spot known as Loch-leamhnachta, the lake of milk. When St. Brigid had a company of venerable guests, probably chorepiscopi, she went to her cook, Blathnata, to see what refreshments were ready. The cook told her there was not enough food and nothing at all for drink. Brigid was momentarily confused, but she turned to prayer, and an angel told her to have her cows milked. The cows gave such a quantity of milk that every vessel was filled, and the milk flowed in a stream along the ground into a hollow, filling it with nourishment. In after-times that place took the Irish name Loch-leamhnachta, the lake of milk.

54. Stolen cattle driven toward flooded Liffey, saved by miracle

    near River Liffey · river · Dublin

    Thieves stole cattle from the family of a maiden staying at Kildare with St. Brigid, driving them toward the Liffey, which had swollen so greatly the robbers could not force the animals across. The cattle instead turned and went to St. Brigid's monastery, exposing the thieves who confessed their guilt.

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    Soon did the people living around her convent begin to experience the protection afforded by Brigid's presence among them. On the eve of a certain solemnity, while she lived in the "Cell of the Oak,'""1 a certain young maiden, who appears to have been her prctc^e, brought an offering for her patroness. On presenting this gift, the maiden remarked, that she should be obliged to return home immediately, to take charge of her parents' house and flocks. Her father and mother desired to spend that holy vigil at Kil dare. The abbess told their daughter to remain, and that her parents should come after her, while the Almighty would protect their temporal substance. According to St. Brigid's prediction, the maiden's parents followed her, and together all the family celebrated this festival. Sj However, certain thieves, taking advantage of their absence, came in the middle of the night and stole away their cattle. These they drove towards the Liffey. This river was found to have been so greatly swollen, that the water flowed over its banks. The robbers laboured in vain, during a great part of the night, to urge the terrified cattle through this flood. Then, taking off their garments, which with other effects they tied with cords to the horns of the cattle, those free-

    74 See Cogitosus, " Vita S. Brigidffi," cap. Mac-an-tsaeir Ua Brolchain,a1earned doctor,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft

55. Brigid's Vision of Rome While at Prayer

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    While rapt in prayer at her usual place of devotion (thought to be Kildare), St. Brigid was undisturbed by shouting villagers nearby, later revealing she had simultaneously seen Masses celebrated in Rome at the tombs of Peter and Paul.

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    day, a pious man came to that place,83 where Brigid was accustomed to offer her private devotions, when he found her hands extended towards heaven, in prayer.8? Our saint was so entranced in God's holy presence, that she seemed undisturbed, in the least degree, by shouts of certain neighbouring villagers, both men and women. These were engaged in driving away some calves from their dams. On seeing St. Brigid's attention thus wholly absorbed in the Divine presence, her devout visitor was not willing to disturb the course of her meditations. After the lapse of an hour, however, he returned, and said to her : " O Saint of God, have you not heard great out cries raised in the hamlet ?" She answered in the negative. Her interro gator then said : " What, therefore, hath become of thy hearing ?;; St. Brigid replied : " As God is my witness, at the time you speak of, I heard and beheld Masses celebrated in the city of Rome,?0 and at the tombs of the Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul.?1 I very much desire, likewise, that the whole Roman ritual and liturgy may be brought to me."?2 Afterwards, St. Brigid sent prudent men to Rome,?3 that thence these might bring the same masses and ecclesiastical rules.?* At Placentia?5 and elsewhere, she is said to have saved her messengers by miracles?6 from impending death. The following legendary account, regarding this mission, is found in a commentary,

    88 It is assumed to have been in Kildare, by the Abbate Certani, although it may have been at some other place.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is the town where St. Brigid had one of her most remarkable visions. She was at her usual place of prayer, hands lifted toward heaven, so lost in God's presence that she didn't hear the shouts of villagers nearby, who were driving calves from their dams. A devout visitor waited an hour, then asked if she had heard the great outcries in the hamlet. She said she had not. When he asked what had become of her hearing, she replied that she had seen and heard Masses celebrated in Rome, at the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul. She said she greatly desired that the whole Roman ritual and liturgy be brought to her. Afterwards, she sent prudent men to Rome to bring back the same masses and ecclesiastical rules. Along the way, at Placentia and elsewhere, she is said to have saved her messengers by miracles from impending death.

56. Faughart identified as St. Brigid's birthplace

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    St. Brigid's biographers generally name Fochard (Faughart) as her birthplace, in the region of Conaille Muirthemhne, formerly part of Ulster province. In the seventeenth century the village was called Fochart Brighde, or 'Fochart of Brigid.'

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    Before we proceed further, it may be well to mention, that St. Brigid's biographers seem generally to agree in naming Fochard^ as her birthplace. Such is the account left us in her Fourth Life. There, as we are told, the village in which she was born bore the name, Fochart Muirthemnc,2CO being in the region called Conaille Muirthemhne, formerly within the Ulster province.'-'01 The tradition, on which such a statement prevails, is referable to a remote time.20- At present, Faughart36^ is a small country village, in

    '•' This infant is said to have been a son of the King and Queen of Conaille, who were then on a visit with a magus, the second purchaser, according to Professor O'Looney's Irish Life, pp. 5 to S.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 25

57. Miraculous Silver Floats Down the Liffey to St. Hinna

    near River Liffey · river · Dublin

    St. Brigid attempted to give silver to a religious named Hinna, who refused it. Brigid threw the offering into the river Liffey, and it miraculously floated downstream to Hinna's cell, prompting her to accept the gift.

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    Truly wonderiul are many of the legends, which have been recorded by her biographers. Those, which serve to display her extraordinary charities, are not the least numerous and strange. Urigid would have bestowed a large quantity ot silver on a religious, named Hymna or Minna,2? but this latter refused to accept it. Hereupon, the pious abbess threw her offering into a river,28 through which it floated, to the cell of St. Hinna.2* This miraculous occurrence^0 caused St. llmna to accept the gift.3' A man had been con demned to death, by a certain king's orders. Our saint interfered, in his behalf, and entreated that his life might be spared.3* At this moment, a quantity of solid silver fell upon the bosom of Christ's compassionate servant. This miraculous gift she at once gave the king, ;3 as a ransom for the unhappy captive. The condemned man was liberated from death, in consequence of such merciful interference, on the part of our saint. On another occasion, St. Brigid divided her only cloak, between two poor persons, so that each one of them received halt of it. But fully to reward the wishes of the pious donor, it pleased God to cause each ot those poor persons to possess an entire cloak.^ Other equally extraordinary incidents are related, throughout our saint's Acts ; but, writers who record such incidents declare, that more particular accounts are avoided to abbreviate their respective biographies. 33 A more poweriul ruler had driven a prince, who was a particular Iriend of St. Brigid, Iroiii his principality. Our saint undertook to intercede with the

    96 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga." 3= This narrative occurs in Abbate D.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 135

58. Nobleman of the Plain of Macha Cured After Restoring Highway

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    A wealthy nobleman living in the plain of Macha near Armagh suffered from disease that baffled physicians; St. Brigid revealed that his illness was caused by public curses for blocking a highway with thorny hedges. After he restored the road, travelers blessed him and he was cured through her prayers.

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    A certain wealthy and good nobleman lived in the plain of Macha.61 He suffered greatly from disease and a pestilence, which baffled the skill of physicians. At last he sent to St. Brigid, requesting a visit from her ; and, while approaching the house, which she saw at a distance, our holy virgin declared, that from whatever quarter the wind blew, it should bring calamity and disease on the master of that dwelling.62 When this was told the noble man, he was surprised, and declared he did not know why he should incur such a judgment, as he had done evil to no person. Then his herd re plied, by stating, it had been rumoured, that all wayfarers without exception were in the habit of cursing this nobleman, because he had allowed his husbandmen to enclose certain fields, with hedges,63 which had the effect of making an adjoining highway impassable, owing to their thorny obstructions. When St. Brigid heard of this, she declared it was the cause of his misfor tune. Wherefore, that nobleman gave orders to restore the highway to its former unincumbered state. Afterwards, all passengers bestowed their bless ings on him. He was also relieved from his infirmities, through the prayers of St. Brigid, to whom, and to the Almighty, he offered humble acknow ledgments.64

    To the pious abbess, among other gifts, was accorded the spirit of pro phecy.65 We are told, while St. Patrick, on a certain day, preached the

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 93

59. Northmen's repeated attacks on Down through three centuries

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 900–1199

    The Northmen frequently attacked, plundered, and burned the town of Down, with these ravages continuing through the tenth, eleventh, and even the twelfth century, likely forcing townspeople to secretly bury the saints' relics for safekeeping.

    Read the passage

    It seems sufficiently probable, that the remains of the venerable abbess were at first interred within the church of Kildare ; where her nuns for some ages, to honour her memory, kept a fire always burning. Hence, that con vent was called the House of Fire.12 It is supposed, that about A.D. 835, or probably before, when Kildare begun to suffer from the hostile Danish in cursions,^ the relics of our saint were removed to Down1-* for greater security, and to guard them from Pagan profanation. Here, they were deposed, with those of St. Patrick and of St. Columba. We can have little doubt, they were for a long time carefully preserved, and greatly honoured by the faithful. Yet, the Northmen frequently attacked, plundered, and burned this town. These ravages were continued, during the tenth, eleventh, and even the twelfth century.^ It seems probable, the harrassed townspeople were obliged, through motives of precaution, to remove and bury in the earth those precious remains consigned to their charge. Probably, the secret of their entombment had been confided, only to a few ecclesiastics, and these might have perished, during the tumults of that time. It would appear, that a tradition, regarding where the illustrious saints had been buried, passed out of popular recollec tion in Down,16 after the lapse of some centuries. What is still more aston ishing, a knowledge, concerning where St. Patrick's, St. Brigid's, and_ St. Columkille's relics had been deposed, was even obliterated, from the minds of the faithful, and in a city, where those holy persons were ever held in such extraordinary veneration.

    About the year 1185, '7 however, the first year of King John's arrival in Ireland,13 when Malachy III.1? was bishop over Down, this holy man was accustomed to offer up his prayers to God, that a discovery of the abovementioned saint's relics might be made by him.20 It so happened, one night,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 162

60. Ruins of Tullagh Old Church and Ancient Crosses

    near Tully · street · Dublin

    The ancient church of Tullagh, identified with Tolach na nEspuc, stands on a green eminence among elder trees, with a semi-circular choir-arch and rude stone crosses indicating great antiquity. One cross, a perforated Odin-type cross, stands outside the graveyard, while another Maltese-shaped cross with carvings remains in an opposite field.

    Read the passage

    The situation of Tolach or Tulloch na n-Espoc in Ui Briun Chualann identifies it with the ancient church of Tullagh, between Loughlinstown and Cabinteely. It gives name to the parish of Tully,2? in the barony of Rathdown, and county of Dublin. On a green eminence, and embosomed among venerable elder trees, thickly interlaced with a few hawthorn and ash trees, are the ruins of its old church. The semi-circular choir-arch, the diminutive proportions of this buiiding, and the rude stone crosses, with other memorials there, bespeak its antiquity.28 One of the crosses stands on the road outside the graveyard ;29 the other remains in an opposite field.30 Various stone fragments are scattered around the latter. Owing to these circumstances, it has been inferred, that Tullagh had been one of those sanctuaries or asylums, benevolently intended to protect the penitent or the persecuted, at a time when violence prevailed, and too often frustrated the demands of justice.31 The existing remains are a good-sized chancel — 25 by 1 8 feet — to which a corresponding nave had never been built. Judging by the marks on its western wall, the old nave to which it was added measured only 15 feet in width.32 Here are some curiously incised rude stone monuments.33 The late George V. Da Noyer and Mr. H. Parkinson have drawn and described these objects.3* A pictoral illustration^ of the

    John F. Shearman, "Lough Minane" is in- and it bears some carvings in alto-relievo,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Tully, near here, are the ruins of the ancient church of Tullagh, identified with Tolach na nEspuc, the old church that gives its name to this parish in the barony of Rathdown, in county Dublin. It stands on a green eminence among venerable elder trees, thickly interlaced with hawthorn and ash. The semi-circular choir-arch, the diminutive proportions of the building, and the rude stone crosses there all bespeak its antiquity. One cross stands on the road outside the graveyard, while another remains in an opposite field, with various stone fragments scattered around it. From these circumstances it has been inferred that Tullagh had been one of those sanctuaries or asylums, benevolently intended to protect the penitent or the persecuted, at a time when violence prevailed and too often frustrated the demands of justice. The existing remains are a chancel, 25 by 18 feet, to which a corresponding nave had never been built. Judging by the marks on its western wall, the old nave to which it was added measured only 15 feet in width. There are curiously incised rude stone monuments there. The late George V. Du Noyer and Mr. H. Parkinson drew and described these objects.