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. Sanctuary boundary traced around Kildare city

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   St. Brigid traced out a line of demarcation around the city of Kildare within which any fugitive could obtain refuge, and this claim to protection was respected by those who honoured her memory.

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   Numbers of infirm and poor flocked to Kildare, seeking relief from their various necessities ; and many anecdotes are related, regarding the charities of St. Brigid, especially towards this forlorn class of persons. With the course of time, several houses began to appear around her religious establishment, as it became necessary to provide for the necessities of those, who came from a distance, or, who were brought from more immediate districts, to assist at the pious exercises and public celebrations of her conventual institute. By degrees, from being merely a village, Kildare became a very considerable town ; and, at length, its habitations extended in number and size, so that it ranked as a city, at a period somewhat later.?3 St. Brigid traced out a line of demarkation, likewise, around the city, within which boundary refuge was to be obtained, by any fugitive ; and, his claim to protection was consequently allowed, by all those, who respected the ordinances and memory of their illus-

   68 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of that she was called Hibernice Domina, as we

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, you are moving through a place that grew up around St. Brigid's religious establishment. The poor and the infirm came here seeking relief, and houses began to appear to shelter those who arrived from a distance for her public celebrations. From a village, Kildare became a considerable town, and in time it ranked as a city. St. Brigid traced out a line of demarcation around that city, and within it any fugitive could obtain refuge. That claim to protection was allowed by all who respected her memory.

2. St. Brigid died at Kildare and was buried at Down

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 521–523

   The most authentic accounts state that St. Brigid died at Kildare in Leinster, and was afterwards honourably interred at Down in Ulster, deposited in the same tomb with St. Patrick and Columkille.

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   It will surprise the curious investigator of our glorious saint's biography, to learn on what grounds Scoto-British writers state her birth to have taken place in Laudonia, that she was veiled by Bishop Machille in Mona Island,66 that she died and was buried at Abernethy/? in the Tiffa district of North Britain ; especially, when we take into account, that among many writers of St. Brigid's Acts, no one of them has even stated, she was born out of Ireland, or has mentioned any other place or country in Britain having connection with her Life and labours. We can hardly take into account Dempster's ridiculous explanation, that Laclenia/8 a province of Britain, should be sub stituted for Lagcnia. In previous passages, it will be seen, that the most authentic accounts make St. Brigid, not only a native of Ireland, but they even assert she was conceived in Leinster, was born in Ulster, and had been educated in Connaught ; they likewise state, that she assumed the veil in Mcath, while her labours extended to Minister, as well as to those other provinces already mentioned. In fine, it is stated, she died at Kildare in Lcinster, and afterwards she was honourably interred at Down in Ulster, having been deposited in the same tomb with St. Patrick and Columkille. Moreover, her paternal and maternal genealogy, derived through such a long line of ancestors, so many saints related to her, so many other holy Irish virgins bearing her name, and so many journeys taken by her, through Irish

   59 See " Scotorum Ilisloria1," &c., lib. 6s See "Appendix Quarta ad Acta S.

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   As the companion tells it

   You're coming through Kildare now, the town itself. The most authentic accounts of St. Brigid say she died here, at Kildare in Leinster. That would have been around 521 to 523. Afterwards she was honourably interred at Down in Ulster, placed in the same tomb with St. Patrick and Columkille. There were other claims about where she was born and where she died. Scoto-British writers said her birth took place in Laudonia, that she was veiled by Bishop Machille in Mona Island, and that she died and was buried at Abernethy in the Tiffa district of North Britain. But among the many writers of St. Brigid's Acts, not one of them stated she was born out of Ireland, or mentioned any other place in Britain having any connection with her life and labours. Dempster offered the explanation that Lagenia, a province of Britain, should be substituted for Lagenia, meaning Leinster. That explanation is called ridiculous. The authentic accounts make her not only a native of Ireland but assert she was conceived in Leinster, born in Ulster, and educated in Connaught. She assumed the veil in Meath, and her labours extended to Munster as well as the other provinces already named. Her genealogy ran through a long line of ancestors, with many saints related to her and many holy Irish virgins bearing her name.

3. St. Brigid heals a man curved for eighteen years by a riverbank

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   While sitting at the door of a monastery near a river, St. Brigid saw a man bent over by an old malady and had him helped and later healed after a night of prayer, by washing in the river as she instructed. He had been curved for eighteen years before being miraculously restored.

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   Like the great Apostle of the Gentiles, regarding herself as subject to human infirmities, the blessed Abbess felt for the infirm.s? On a certain occasion, while Brigid was sitting at the door of a monastery, in which she resided, she saw a man at the bank of an adjoining river.33 He was bearing a burden, and, as he walked along, his body seemed curved. 39 Pitying his condition, the compassionate superioress said to those around her, that all should go to the man and help to bear his load. Corning towards him, St. Brigid said : " Let us bear your burden, for it causes you to stoop greatly." The man replied, however, that the weight of his load did not cause his curvature, but an old malady, which had troubled him during his earlier days. Enquiring about the name of this virgin, who accosted him, he was told she was the holy Brigid. Thereupon, he replied ; " I give thanks to God, that I have found her whom I have sought." 4° Then, he addressed our abbess, asking her to pray to the Almighty for him, that his bodily defect might be removed. This pious lady told him to enter a hospice, where he should rest for the night, and afterwards, that he should obtain his request. During that night, our Saint importuned the Almighty on his behalf.*1 The following morning, she said to the man ; " Go to the river,*2 and, in the name of Jesus Christ, wash yourself, praying to God, and I promise, that you shall be able to hold your neck erect. Until I desire you to do so, take care .not to depart from that place." Obeying the holy virgin's injunctions, that man, who had been curved for eighteen years, was miraculously restored.43 After wards, as in duty bound, he gave heartfelt thanks to God and to St. Brigid.44

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, you are in the town most closely bound to St. Brigid, its first abbess and patroness. The story told of her here is of a man bent and curved in body, whom she found one day at the bank of a river beside a monastery where she was staying. She had been sitting at the monastery door when she saw him bearing a burden, his body stooped as he walked. Pitying him, she told those around her to go and help carry his load. When she offered to bear it, the man told her the weight was not the cause of his curvature, but an old malady from his earlier days. On learning her name, he said he gave thanks to God, for he had found the one he sought. He asked Brigid to pray that his defect might be removed. She told him to enter a hospice and rest for the night, and that he would have his request afterward. That night she importuned the Almighty on his behalf. The following morning she told him to go to the river and, in the name of Jesus Christ, wash himself and pray to God, and she promised he would hold his neck erect. The man, who had been curved for 18 years, obeyed and was miraculously restored. Afterwards he gave heartfelt thanks to God and to St. Brigid.

4. St. Brigid's Cathedral and Chapel at Kildare

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 600–1877

   The cathedral church of Kildare took St. Brigid's name and guardianship soon after her death, with her chapel still standing in the seventeenth century, and modern Catholic church and Presentation Convent also dedicated to her.

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   Foremost among the places, -where St. Brigid was honoured, is Kildare. The cathedral church^ of this ancient city, in the province of Leinster, took her name and tutelary guardianship, we can have little doubt, not very long after her demise.5 In the seventeenth century, her chapel was also standing.6 A monastery of Canons Regular at Kildare, where St. Brigid formerly pre sided over monks and nuns, is said to have been dedicated to her ; while, the convent of her order rejoiced especially, in having her once as an illustrious directrix, and after death as a glorious patroness. In modern times, the Catholic parochial church has been dedicated to her memory, while, the Presentation Convent and schools of the town arc under her special patronage. Further, towards the west, Rosenallis,? a parish church, in the barony of Tinnahinch, Queen's County, in the deanery of Killeigh, or Killachuidh, diocese of Kildare,8 was dedicated to St. Brigid.9

   The following churches and places were dedicated to or named from St. Bride, or St. Bridget, in the present city and diocese of Dublin. St. Bride's Church,10 situated in Bride-street,11 was formerly a dependency on the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, and afterwards on St. Patrick's Cathedral, owing to a grant of Archbishop Comin. It also was called after our saint.12 Bride's-alley, running off Bride-street. Bride's-place, situated off Goldenlane. Bridewell-lane, off West Arran-street. This locality may have taken its name, from some Brideswell. or St. Brigid's well. A nunnery, dedicated to St. Bride, formerly stood in Channel-row. There was an hospital, dedi cated to St. Peter and to St. Brigid.13 It stood in Peter-street. There was a Bride's Well ; now covered by a pump, which is to be seen at present in a courtway off Bride-street. In the county of Dublin, at Killossery, other wise called Ashbourne-rath on Ashbourne-road, eight or nine miles from Dublin city, are the ruins of an ancient ivied church, which was dedicated to St. Brigid.1'* It is a curacy in the deanery of Swords.15 It was called Kilteri or Killostre in ancient documents.16

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, you are in the town that stands foremost among the places where St. Brigid was honoured. The cathedral church of this ancient city, in the province of Leinster, took her name and her guardianship not very long after her death. Her chapel was still standing in the seventeenth century. A monastery of Canons Regular at Kildare, where St. Brigid formerly presided over monks and nuns, is said to have been dedicated to her. The convent of her order rejoiced especially in having her once as an illustrious directrix, and after death as a glorious patroness. In modern times, the Catholic parochial church has been dedicated to her memory, while the Presentation Convent and schools of the town are under her special patronage. Further towards the west, at Rosenallis, a parish church in the barony of Tinnahinch, Queen's County, in the deanery of Killeigh, diocese of Kildare, was also dedicated to St. Brigid. So the town you are passing through carries her name and her legacy from the earliest days after her death through to the convent and schools that stand under her patronage in modern times.

5. St Brigid's well springs forth near a mountain on the journey to Munster

   Fethard · town · Tipperary

   After St Brigid predicted the miraculous arrival of food for her hungry travelling party, she also had the earth dug near the spot, from which a spring of clear water issued; this well was afterward known as St Brigid's well and could still be seen when her Third and Fourth Lives were written.

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   the holy abbess, " How are you able to see the fight at such a distance ?" The bishop reproved this incredulity for his not recognising the Holy Spirit's illuminating gifts conferred on a virgin, who was blessed both in soul and body. Then said Ere to our saint : " O servant of God, sign our eyes that we may witness those things thou seest." The spouse of Christ immediately complied with this icquest, so that they clearly observed the battle's progress. Looking on, in great grief, his disciple cried out to Bishop Ere : "Alas! also, my Lord, at this moment, my eyes behold the decapitation of two brothers.'' The result of enquiry established the reality this vision detailed.^ Afterwards, in a certain place, and near a mountain, the holy Bishop Erc<6 and the sanctified virgin Bngid sat down, with their attendants. These were greatly fatigued after their journey, and they experienced great hunger. A youth in their company thereupon remarked, that whoever gave them food should confer a great charity on them. St. Brigid then said, " I pre dict, that if food and drink be required, you must wait awhile in expectation of assistance from on high; because, 1 behold a house, in which they are to-day preparing alms for a certain church. Within an hour it shall come here, and even now it is put up for us in packages." While our saint was speaking, refreshment carriers arrived, and when they had learned the illustrious Bngid and holy Bishop Ere, with their disciples, were there, those bearers greatly rejoiced to relieve their wants. Alms were presented to the famished travellers, with such words : " Receive those refreshments, which God Him self hath intended for you, as your wants and merits should be taken into consideration, before those of any other congregation.''' Giving God thanks, our travellers partook of this food presented ; yet, as they only received edibles, some drink was required, likewise, to allay their thirst. Then Bngid told them to dig the earth near this spot."? On obeying her order, a. spring of clear water issued from the ground. Afterwards, it bore the name of St. Brigid s well, and it might be seen at the time our virgin's Third and Fourth Lives had been written. <8

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6. Synod Held on the Plain of the Liffey Where Brigid Was Hailed as 'the Mary'

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   A religious widow brought young Brigid to a Synod held in the plain of the Liffey (Magh Liphe), where a holy man who had a vision declared her to be the Mary he had seen, and all present acknowledged her as a type of the Blessed Virgin Mary. An Irish Life states this Synod was held at the spot afterwards known as Kildare.

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   Before we arrive at this event in her life, there are other circumstances mentioned, regarding the holy virgin, in what are considered to be among the most questionable of her recorded acts. It may not be irrelevant, how ever, to introduce them. While at her father's house, and before she returned to see her captive mother, it is related, that a certain religious widow/^who lived in an adjoining village, asked our Saint's father to allow her Brigid's companionship to a Synod,115 then held in the plain of the Liny.116 To this request her father assented ; and while both proceeded on their way, a cer tain holy man,11? who was present at the Synod,118 slept. He had a vision, at the same time. On awaking from sleep, he said ; " I have beheld Mary, and a certain man standing with her, who said to me, ' This is holy Mary, who dwells amongst you.' ""9 When the venerable man had mentioned this in the Synod, St. Brigid and her companion arrived. Then the same holy man cried out ; " This is the Mary, whom I have seen, for I know with certainty her appearance." All, who were present, rendered their acknowledgment to St. Brigid,120 beholding in her a type of the Blessed Virgin Mary.121

   111 See " Louth Letters containing Infor- II8 In an Irish Life, it is called a Synod mation relative to the Antiquities of the of the Leinster Seniors.

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, an Irish Life states that a Synod was held on the plain of the Liffey at the spot afterwards known as this town. The story concerns Brigid. While she was still at her father's house, a religious widow from an adjoining village asked her father to let Brigid accompany her to the Synod. Her father agreed. While both were on their way, a holy man present at the Synod had fallen asleep. He had a vision. On waking, he told the gathering: 'I have beheld Mary, and a certain man standing with her, who said to me, "This is holy Mary, who dwells amongst you."' When the venerable man had spoken, Brigid and her companion arrived. The same holy man cried out: 'This is the Mary, whom I have seen, for I know with certainty her appearance.' All who were present gave their acknowledgment to Brigid, beholding in her a type of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

7. Veneration of St. Brigid's oak relic-wood

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   Such was the veneration for St. Brigid's oak that no one dared cut it with an iron instrument, though people removed portions with their hands to keep as relics, believed to work miracles through her blessing.

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   4? The same writer tells us, such was the veneration in which it was held, that no one dared to cut it with an iron instrument, al though many persons were accustomed to remove portions of it with their hands. These portions, however, were preserved as relics. And, owing to St. Brigid's blessing it pleased the Almighty to accomplish mi racles, through the possession of these lig neous souvenirs. See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga." Quarta Vita S. Brigida;, lib. ii., cap. iii., p. 550.

   <8 In Professor O'Looney's Irish Life of St. Brigid, she is represented as being with her sheep, on the occasion when Neinidh was first introduced to her notice, pp. 31, 32, and again as herding her sheep, when a thief stole seven of them from her, pp. 41,42.

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   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Kildare now. In this town stood the oak of St. Brigid, held in such veneration that no one dared cut it with iron. People would pull portions off with their bare hands and keep them as relics. These pieces were believed to work miracles through St. Brigid's blessing.

8. Ancient Ruined Church at Ardagh Linked to St. Brigid's First House

   Ardagh · parish · Longford

   St. Brigid's first religious house may have been situated at Ardagh, where a very ancient, cyclopean-style ruined church still stands, its low doorway preserved. Popular tradition associates St. Brigid with St. Mel as a chief patroness of the Ardagh diocese.

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   ship, and it may have been at Ardagh, where at present a very ancient ruined church is shown.122 It is one of the most cyclopean and archaic type.I23 The door-way was perfect, but remarkably low.I24 Also, it must be observed, that a very prevailing popular tradition associates St. Brigid with St. Mel, as a chief patroness of the Ardagh diocese,125 and a holy

   1:0 He adds, that wo may find a Teghbrighide, or Brigid's house, in Kinel-fiacha i.e., the country about Kilbeggan. See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, viii., sec. iii., and n. 47, pp. 386, 389.

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9. Conall Gulban overtaken and buried near Fenagh, Co. Leitrim

   Fenagh · townland · Leitrim · 464

   After his raid, Conall Gulban was pursued and overtaken at Loch Saloch, near Fenagh, where he was slain and buried. Tradition attributes his burial to St. Cailiin, though this is considered an anachronism by later commentators.

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   great prey of horses ; but, he was pursued and overtaken at Loch Saloch, near Fe nagh, in the county of Leitrim. Here, he was slain and buried. The account of Conall Gulban having been buried by St. Cailiin is said to be an anachronism and a fabrication of the writer of St. Caillin's Life, preserved in the "Book of Fenagh." St. Cailiin is reputed a contemporary of St. Columkille, and consequently he' could hardly have been born in 464, much less have been abbot of Fenagh in Magh-Rein. There is much to be read — not, however, of a very well-authenticated character -- re garding Conall Gulban in "The Book of Fenagh." in Irish and English, originally compiled by St. Cailiin, Archbishop, Ab bot, anil Founder of Fenagh alias Dunbally of Moy-Rein, temp ore S. 1'atricii ; with the contractions resolved, and (as far as pos sible) the original Text restored. The whole carefully revised, indexed, and cor rectly annotated, by \V. M.. Hennessy, M.R.I. A., and done' into English by D. H. Kelly, M.R.I. A. See pp. 89, 91, 93, 95, 97, 139, 141, 143, 147, 155, 157, 159, 161, 225, 235, 243, 253,265, 313, 317, 323, 325, 359, 395. 405, 409-

   83 In Dr. O'Conors " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," at A. 0.464, we find, in the hiatus, which supplies the "Annals of Tigernach," an account of the death of Conallus Gulban, from whom the family of Tir-Connel derives its origin. Seep. 113, tomus ii.

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10. Conall's invasion of Pictish territory blessed by St. Brigid

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Before invading the country of the Picts (Cruthenians) in northern Britain, Conall and his soldiers came to St. Brigid seeking her blessing. She asked God that neither side should suffer injury and urged them to lay aside their pagan emblems, though she could not prevent the war itself.

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    Again, a legend was in vogue, that on another occasion, when about to invade the country of the Picts.9? who often warred with the Britons,1?8 this same Conall, accompanied by his soldiers, bearing their hostile emblems or standards,^ came to St. Brigid. He then said : " O Saint of God, we crave your blessing, for we are about to invade distant territories to defeat our enemies/' The saint replied : " I entreat the Omnipotent Lord, my God, that, in this instance, you neither inilict injury on any one, nor suffer it your selves, wherefore lay aside those diabolical emblems." Although she was un able to prevent the war, God was graciously pleased to grant those prayers of the holy virgin. On hearing her words, the hostile bands sailed for the country of the Crutheni,100 in the northern part of Britain.101 Then, the Irish invaders thought they had taken possession of a certain entrenched camp or castle,102 besieged by them, that they had burned it, and had killed many of their enemies, who were beheaded.103 Afterwards, the leader and his

    93 See Abbate D. Giacomo Ccrtani's "La Santita Frodigiosa. Vita di S. Brigida Ibernese." Libro Quinto, pp. 343 to 346.

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is the town where St. Brigid was first abbess and where a legend says Conall once came seeking her blessing. He and his soldiers arrived bearing their hostile standards and said to her, "O Saint of God, we crave your blessing, for we are about to invade distant territories to defeat our enemies." Brigid answered that she would entreat God that they neither inflict injury on anyone nor suffer it themselves, and she urged them to lay aside what she called their diabolical emblems. She could not prevent the war, but God was said to have granted her prayers. The bands sailed for the country of the Crutheni, the Picts, in the northern part of Britain. There the Irish believed they had taken an entrenched camp, burned it, and killed many of their enemies, who were beheaded. The story breaks off at that point, with the leader and his men unnamed beyond.

11. Dun-da-Lethglaisse as ancient episcopal city and burial place of three saints

    near Downpatrick · town · Down

    The tract states that St. Brigid and St. Patrick were interred together in the Ultonian city called Dun-da-Lethglaisse, situated near the sea, an ancient episcopal residence since St. Patrick's time, formerly named Aras Kealtuir after a hero.

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    further intimated, such juxtaposition of their bodies, after death, had been a result of their wishes whilst alive. In that tract, it is expressly noted, their remains were interred, in the city of Ultonian territory, called Dun-da-Lethglaisse, or Uun-da-Lethglass,8° and which was situated near the sea.81 It existed from the time of St. Patrick, as an ancient episcopal residence.82 In former times, this city had been named Aras Kealtuir, after a celebrated hero or champion, called Kealtuir.83 He is numbered among the principal heroes of Ireland, and he was a contemporary with Connor Mac Nessa, King of Ulster.8* Notwithstanding this account of our saint's death and burial, the author of her Fourth Life remarks, that the privileges, honour, and distinction, due to Kildare city in the province of Leinster, were recognised for ages after the Blessed Brigid's death, in connexion with her name and memory.85 These facts serve, likewise, to impress us with the moral of all historic experience, that great names serve to make celebrated, through all time, localities, which without such connexion, should otherwise leave little to interest human sympathy, or awaken popular feeling. Fond memory recalls deeds that have been done there, and that have not passed away to unhonourable oblivion.

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12. Establishment of the Bishopric of Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 490

    As Brigid's monastic establishment grew, the city of Kildare grew correspondingly, prompting her to seek a resident bishop there. She secured the nomination of Kildare's first bishop, a holy recluse named Conleath who lived in the southern part of the Liffey plain.

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    As the Abbess Brigid's establishment increased in importance, the city of Kildare grew, likewise, in a corresponding ratio. Revolving in mind a. necessity that appeared to exist, for the residence of a bishop there, to obtain the object of her desires, our saint made application to some of the Irish prelates. Her petitions appear to have been favourably received, for, she had the nomination of Kildare's first bishop ;110 a privilege, which the other prelates might have allowed, on account of her exalted merits, and those services which she had rendered to religion in that portion of the province, where she presided in her capacity of abbess.111 It is stated, also, that the bishop appointed, in conjunction with herself, exercised jurisdiction over all houses of her order, throughout Ireland. Some difficulties exist, in sup posing the Bishop of Kildare to exercise jurisdiction over nuns, living outside his immediate bishopric ; for, although named Archbishop of the Irish Bishops,112 yet, it is also well known, that the Irish Primacy had never been transferred from Armagh to Kildare. With her usual discrimination, the person, selected by Brigid to assume the episcopacy, was a holy man, named Conleath."3 He lived the life of a cellule recluse, in the southern part of the Liffcy plain. At what particular period this consecration of Conleath took place, we have no means lor determining ;"4 yet. we must suppose, some years had elapsed, from the establishment of the community at Kildare, before its erection into a see, and the consequent appointment of a bishop.11*

    That St. Brigid exercised a certain degree of jurisdiction over the Bishop of Kildare who was her contemporary,"6 and that the abbesses, who were her successors, retained such jurisdiction over the abbots and bishops of the see, have been supposed. This state of affairs, however, is so repugnant to the spirit of church discipline, in all ages, and even unsupported by any re liable authorities, on the subject, that we can have no hesitation in rejecting such supposition. We rather prefer coinciding with an explanation offered,11?

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    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead, the road takes you through Kildare. Around the year 490, this town became the seat of a bishopric, and the story of how that happened begins with Brigid. As her monastic establishment grew in importance, the city of Kildare grew alongside it, in proportion. Brigid saw a need for a bishop to reside there, and she made application to some of the Irish prelates. Her petitions were favourably received. She was given the nomination of Kildare's first bishop, a privilege the other prelates may have granted on account of her exalted merits and the services she had rendered to religion in that portion of the province where she presided as abbess. The bishop appointed, in conjunction with Brigid herself, exercised jurisdiction over all houses of her order throughout Ireland. The man she chose with her usual discrimination was a holy recluse named Conleath, who had been living the life of a hermit in the southern part of the Liffey plain. The exact date of his consecration cannot be determined, but some years must have elapsed from the founding of the community at Kildare before it was erected into a see and a bishop appointed. Later accounts claimed that Brigid exercised jurisdiction over the Bishop of Kildare, and that her successor abbesses retained such jurisdiction over the abbots and bishops of the see. But this has been rejected as repugnant to the spirit of church discipline in all ages, and unsupported by any reliable authorities.

13. Ferry dispute and refusal to pay at the Shannon crossing

    Athlone · town · Westmeath

    At the river crossing near Athlone, Brigid's companions asked ferrymen to take them across, but the boatmen demanded a fare (or in another account, a cloak or blanket) which the sisters refused, resolving instead to walk across the river through faith.

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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 pass through Athlone, you are at a crossing on the Shannon that gave the town its name — Ath Luain, from the Irish words for ford and moon, said to have been dedicated to a pagan deity in earlier times. In St. Brigid's day the Shannon marked the boundary between the ancient provinces of Meath and Connaught. She found people of Connaught and of the race of Neill contending with each other there. Her companions asked ferrymen on the river bank to take them across, but the boatmen demanded a fare. The sisters refused to pay and declared they would walk across the river instead, believing that through Brigid's blessing the Almighty would preserve them, as he had opened a passage through the Red Sea and the river Jordan. Near the town on the Connaught side there is a well called Tobar-Brigde, named for her.

14. Flames seen around infant Brigid's cradle

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    While Brigid's mother went to milk cows, leaving the infant alone, the house appeared to be in flames. People ran to extinguish the fire but on arrival the flames vanished, and Brigid was found smiling and unharmed, prompting proclamations that she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

    Read the passage

    After our saint's birth, the magus is said to have brought her mother with him to Connaught, where he dwelt ; and, it is also stated, that the mother of this magus had been a native of that province, while his father was born in Munster.254 One day, when the mother of St. Brigid went some distance to milk cows,255 she left her infant sleeping alone in the house. Suddenly, it appeared to be in llames, and all who saw ran to extinguish them.256 On approaching the dwelling, however, these llames went out ; and on entering, the people found St. Brigid sweetly smiling, with infantile innocence and beauty, her cheeks being flushed with a roseate hue.-'57 All proclaimed aloud, that the child was replenished with graces of the Holy Spirit.1'5"

    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

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 25

15. Regles Brighde survives 1179 fire but burned in 1189

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1179–1189

    In 1179 the Regles Brighde and Teampull-na-Fearta escaped a widespread fire that consumed most of Armagh, but in 1189 Armagh was burned from St. Brigid's cross to the Regles Brighde itself.

    Read the passage

    tioned in our annals.31 Now St. Bride's shares its honours with a paddocks From the expression coarb, ^ or abbatial successor, we may conclude that, though small, it was a religious house which might have traced back its origin to the era of its reputed founder^4 In 1179, the Regies Brighde and the Teampull-na-Fearta^ escaped a wide-spread conflagration^6 which consumed the greater part of Armagh. 3? In 1189, however, Armagh was burned from St. Brigid's cross to the Regies Brighde. 3s The occupants of the nunnery here were possibly of St. Brigid's order, and observants of her rule, from the earliest period.-^ Two townlands belonging to it, at one time, paid a rental of four shillings a year.40 Afterwards, these endowments seem to have been absorbed in some more powerful interest ; for, at the period of the suppression of religious houses, its sole possessions were the building and the surrounding premises, which occupied about one acre.41 At the time of the dissolution4- it was a nunnery, and possibly a cell of Templefertagh ; for, in inquisitions and patents, both are coupled, and they have changed hands in company ever since.4-* The precincts of Temple-breed occupy an irregular space, situated to the south-east of the Protestant cathedral, at Armaghfand having frontage in the middle, at the south side of Castle-street.4"4 ' The old Catholic chapel stands on the south-west bound, and the site of Templebreed lies about thirty yards north-east of the near end of the chapel. 4$ An ancient cemetery adjoined the nunnery.46 The historian of Armagh cor rectly identifies Teampull na Fearta with the Dobbin holding;4? yet, strange to say, elsewhere, he professes his inability to determine its position.48 Like

    p. 25. Printed for the Author, Lu.sk : MDCCCI.X, small Svo.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 91

16. St. Brigid's Childhood Altar Legend

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    As a child, Brigid played at building a little altar from a smooth slab of stone, and a beautiful angel joined her, making wooden legs for the altar and boring holes for them, so the altar would stand.

    Read the passage

    From her very childhood, we are told, she had been accustomed to an excellent course of instruction ; and, as she grew up, this holy maiden pre sented each day some fresh proof of religious decorum and modesty. In all things, she conformed to the inspirations of I )ivine Grace. Her very name seemed pre-ordained to indicate her future spiritual stated The story is told of her, that when she was a mere child, playing at holy things, she got a smooth slab of stone which she tried to set up as a little altar ; then a beautiful angel joined in her play, and made wooden legs to the altar, and bored four holes in the stone, into which the legs might be driven, so as to make it stand.32 Such legends as these— although inexactly preserved— usually attest a life of virtue, from the cradle to the" grave.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 31

17. St Brigid's healing girdle blessed for a wandering virgin from Ui Mac Uais

    Meath · county · Meath

    A virgin from the Ui Mac Uais tribe in Meath sought alms and was given a girdle by St Brigid, blessed to heal diseases if immersed in water with Christ's name invoked. She used it to heal a sick boy and many others, later using the gifts received to buy lands for the poor.

    Read the passage

    heart filled with affection towards her husband, while their mutual harmony and love continued so long as they lived.1? At this time, also, St. Brigid was visited by a certain virgin, descended from the race of Guais or Guassius.16 Their district was in Meuth, where they were known as the Hi Mac Huais.1? This virgin sought alms from every house in the kingdom. Brigid said to her: " I will give you either my cloak, or a heifer lately pre sented to me.18 The religious told our saint, that neither of these gifts could profit her, for way-s j -robbers might deprive her of them. Brigid then asked her visitor, if she would receive a girdle, worn by herself, and which should heal several kinds of diseases, prevailing in that part of the country, provided this /one were immersed in water, \he name of Christ being also invoked. The virgin1:' received this gift from our saint very thankfully. Taking the girdle, she first went to a certain boy, who was sick, and who was greatly beloved by his parents. The Almighty was pleased to restore him to health, through the instrumentality of this Brigidine relic.20 That virgin in like manner was enabled to heal many, who were sick, so long as she lived.-' According to St. Brigid's prediction, she even received several presents in return for such services. With the gifts thus acquired, she bought lands, giving all the wealth she possessed to the poor. While living a chaste and holy life, she became a distinguished saint.-2 Her name, however, does not appear to have been recorded.

    Another time, St. Brigid went into the district of Feara Ross.33 Having been requested by some persons, the Abbess visited a king, living in the plain ot Breagh,2-* that she might obtain a certain man's liberation. This person had been held as a prisoner by the dynast. Our holy virgin promised a

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, this is the land of the Ui Mac Uais, the tribe that produced an unnamed virgin saint whose story runs through the life of St Brigid. She came from this district seeking alms from every house in the kingdom. Brigid offered her a cloak or a heifer, but the religious warned that neither gift would profit her, for robbers on the roads might take them. Instead Brigid gave her a girdle she had worn herself, blessed so that if it were immersed in water and the name of Christ invoked, it would heal several kinds of diseases then prevailing in that part of the country. The virgin took the girdle and first went to a boy who was sick and greatly beloved by his parents. Through the instrumentality of this Brigidine relic, the Almighty restored him to health. She went on healing many who were sick, so long as she lived. As Brigid had predicted, she received several presents in return for such services, and with the gifts thus acquired she bought lands, giving all the wealth she possessed to the poor. She lived a chaste and holy life and became a distinguished saint. Her name, however, does not appear to have been recorded.

18. The Synod at Kildare Where Brigid Was Called Another Mary

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    The author of St. Brigid's Third Life relates that Brigid returned to Lagenia where her father lived, and at a synod assembled in the plain of the Liffey where Kildare is situated, she was called another Mary.

    Read the passage

    29 The author of St. Brigid's Third Lifethought by Colgan to be St. Ultan — states, that St. Brigid was born in the country and house of a Magus (cap. 4) ; that this identical Magus went with the infant to Connaught, so soon as she was born (cap. 5) ; and, in the following chapter, he relates, how the child had been brought up in Connaught, until she had become a grown maiden. He tells us, how she returned to Lagenia, where her father lived (cap. n) ; how she was called another Mary, at a certain synod, assembled in the plain of the Liffey, in which Kildare is situated (cap. 14) ; how, in com pany with her father, she left the house of this latter to visit the King of Leinster, in the Liffey's great plain (cap. 90). He re lates, how she had received the veil in that land, belonging to the Niall family (cap. 1 8), and which is identical with Meath, as after wards indicated (cap. 21). He also records, in the following chapters, what she achieved in different countries and provinces of Ire land, as for instance, in Theba (cap. 29) ; how she accompanied St. Patrick to the northern part of Ireland, called Ulster, and what she did at the Castle of Lethglass and in the town of Macha (cap. 57, 60, 61) ; how she went with Bishop Ere, of Munster descent, into the southern province of Ire land (cap. 71) ; how returning to the ex treme bounds of Leinster, she entered the Labrathi country (cap. Si), and how in fine, returning to her father's house, she saved him from impending death (cap. 87). We have already seen, that in a hymn subjoined

    to St. Ultan's Life of our saint, she is said to have been distinguished in that island, " quse vocatur Hibernia," &c. If St. Brigid had been born in Britain, is it not strange, that St. Ultan, in no place, speaks of her birth, education, religious profession, &c., as having occurred there, while these inci dents, and special localities already men tioned, are referable alone to Ireland ? Nor does he even indicate, in one single instance, that she had ever left our island.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, you are in the town that stands on the plain of the Liffey where a synod was once held and Brigid was called another Mary. The author of Brigid's Third Life, thought by Colgan to be Saint Ultan, says she had been born in the house of a magus, who took the infant to Connaught, and there she was raised until she was a grown maiden. She returned to Lagenia, where her father lived, and it was at a synod assembled in this plain of the Liffey that she was given that title. The same author records how she travelled widely after that, accompanying Saint Patrick into Ulster and visiting the Castle of Lethglass and the town of Macha, going south with Bishop Ere into Munster, and entering the Labrathi country at the bounds of Leinster before returning at last to her father's house, where she saved him from impending death.

19. Vagabonds with diabolical badges thwarted near Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Ruffians wearing diabolical badges approached St. Brigid seeking her blessing while intending to kill a man; she marked them with the sign of the cross to counteract their designs. They attacked a poor man believing they had beheaded him, but he escaped unhurt and no trace of the supposed crime was found.

    Read the passage

    On a particular day, certain insolent and idle ruffians approached our saint. _ Wearing diabolical badges on their heads, they intended the death of a particular person. These miscreants asked — it is probable in mockery — a blessing from Brigid, and she, in her turn, requested them to put away their emblems. This, however, they refused to do. Seeing the form of badge adopted, our pious abbess was shocked ; nevertheless, she marked them with a sign of the cross, not for the purpose of blessing them, but to counteract those designs entertained against their fellow-creatures. The ruffians de parted with their brutal instincts aroused. Finding a poor man on their way, they attacked, murdered, and afterwards, as they thought, beheaded him. However, this turned out to be their phantasy, for that man escaped unhurt and through the midst of his enemies until he reached his own house. After a close investigation, these persecutors found neither his head, nor body, nor any traces of blood. Wherefore they said to each other": " A

    '3 This account is contained in Professor Vita S. Brigidze, sec. 27, p. 516 Sccunda

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Kildare now. This is the town of St. Brigid, Ireland's patroness, and the story goes that one day a band of ruffians came to her wearing what the book calls diabolical badges on their heads. They meant to kill a man and asked Brigid for a blessing, probably in mockery. She asked them to remove their emblems but they refused. So she marked them with the sign of the cross, not to bless them but to counteract their designs. They left and found a poor man on the road. They attacked him and thought they had beheaded him, but he escaped unhurt and made it home through the middle of his enemies. When his persecutors looked, they found neither his head, nor his body, nor any trace of blood.

20. Church and cemetery dedicated to St. Brigid on her birth site

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    A church and cemetery dedicated to St. Brigid existed at Faughart, and according to local tradition these stood on the very site of the house in which she was born. A monastery of Canons had also been established there in her honour.

    Read the passage

    the Barony of Upper Dundalk, County of Louth, and Province of_Lemster. There too not only a church and a cemetery, dedicated to St. Bngid, were to be seen at a time when her Fourth Life had been written ; but, according to local tradition, they were situated even on the very site of that house, in which she had been born.26* This latter statement, with a slight emendation, is probably correct. It has been remarked, that the allusion to a monastery of Canons being at Foughart shows a remote antiquity when the author of her Fourth Life flourished ; for, many ages back, there had been no institute of the kind discoverable, nor any monastic house, specially dedicated to St. Brigid, at least from the period of the eleventh century.* The old church site°of Pochard is situated between the town of Dundalk and the church of Kilslieve,266 being about two miles distant from either place. A holy woman, known as Monenna,26? built a church here, at a very early period.26 The exact situation of Fochard has been misplaced in some rccords.26s In the seventeenth century, this little village was called by the Irish-speaking peo ple Fochart Brighde, or " Fochart of Brigid."2'

    In the three previous lives of our Saint2?1 no mention is made concerning the place of her birth ; which is also the case, in the two latter lives, viz. : the Fifth and Sixth. Admitting, however, the usually assigned place, where the illustrious virgin is said to have been born, it seems likely enough, that old circular, cone-shaped Dun,2?2 which rises high2" over the adjoining fields on the very summit of Foughart Hill, about three miles north-west of Dun dalk, supported and protected the house of Dubtach.2?* A circular level on the top was 40 feet in diameter, and around the circumference appears to have extended a wide breast-work of masonry, laid with mortar.2^ At the southern sides, when broken, the foundations were clearly traceable. A deep

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 25

21. Cogitosus on St. Brigid's Burial at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    In describing the church of Kildare in Leinster, Cogitosus records that St. Brigid was buried there, confirming Kildare as her final resting place.

    Read the passage

    3° In his Life of our saint, when describing the church of Kildare in Leinster, Cogitosus tells us, that St. Brigid was buried in it (cap. xxxv.). And, towards the end of her Acts, Animosus says, that she died, and was buried in Ireland (lib. ii., cap. xcix.). Blessed Marianus Scotus, in his Chronicle, at the year 521, writes, " S. Brigida Scota Virgo in Hibernia diem clausit extremum." 3' These reliable writers, St. Cogitosus, St. Cormac, archbishop, Animosus, Keat ing, and others, exhibit this fact sufficiently, when introducing her paternal and maternal genealogies.

    33 St. ^Engus calls her a "bright Virgin and chief of holy Irishwomen," in his Festilogy, at the 1st of February. In like manner, Marianus O' Gorman, at the same date, styles her " Chief- Virgin or Chief of the Virgins of Ireland."

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, that town in Leinster holds the burial place of St. Brigid. Cogitosus, in his Life of the saint, tells us she was buried in the church of Kildare. Animosus likewise says she died and was buried in Ireland. Blessed Marianus Scotus, in his Chronicle at the year 521, records that she ended her days in Ireland. These writers, along with Cormac, Keating, and others, all confirm it.

22. Cork Tradition of St. Patrick and St. Brigid's Days

    Cork · city · Cork

    In the county of Cork, a tradition prevails that St. Patrick once said, in St. Brigid's hearing, that every second day from her festival should be good, to which she replied that half of her day should also be good.

    Read the passage

    Brigid's eve, still prevailing ; and the hanging out of a ribbon or handkerchief from windows14? — yet pretty general in the South of Ireland148 — maybe traced to the discontinuance of old festive and Christian usages. All our legend-lore confirms the truth of such a conclusion. In the county of Cork, this tradi tion prevails. St. Patrick once said in St. Brigid's hearing, that every second day from her festival should be good.14^ " Yes," replied the holy Brigid, " and half of my day, too." 15°

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 188

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, there's an old tradition still remembered here. The story goes that St. Patrick once said, in St. Brigid's hearing, that every second day from her festival should be good. Brigid answered him, "and half of my day, too." People in the south of Ireland also once hung a ribbon or handkerchief from windows on her eve, a custom that has mostly faded.

23. Kildare plundered and burned by Danes and Irish princes

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 831–855

    Kildare was plundered by Ceallach, son of Bran, in 831, and again in 855 by Feidhlimidh; the first record of foreigners plundering and burning Kildare is dated to A.D. 835.

    Read the passage

    -'* In 831, Kil Lire was plundered by Ceallaeh, sun of Bran, and again in 855 by

    "

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    You're nearing Kildare. In 831 it was plundered by Ceallach, son of Bran, and plundered again in 855. The first record of foreigners burning and plundering Kildare dates to 835.

24. Legend of the floating chest of vestments to St. Senan

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare

    St. Brigid prepared vestments for St. Senan and placed them in a chest floated on the sea, trusting Heavenly guidance to bring it to him at his island. St. Senan had a revelation of the gift, sent his monks to retrieve the chest from the sea near his island, and gave thanks to God on learning it was from St. Brigid.

    Read the passage

    Sacrifice of the Mass were placed in a chest. This, it is said, was floated out on the sea. St. Brigid fully confided in Heavenly guidance, that it should reach St. Senan. Her confidence was not misplaced ; for, the legend states, this chest was wafted round the Irish coast towards that part of the island where St. Senan lived. This happened through a special direction of 1 rovidence, and the box went over sea-courses, which skilled mariners could only pass with great difficulty, and in well-appointed vessels. St. Senan had a revelation concerning this gift he was to expect. On that particular day, when the chest floated near his island, Senan said to his monks : " Go to the sea, and bring me whatever you shall find upon it." His brethren found the chest, and brought it, as required, to St. Serum.3* The latter told them, it

    Scattery Island, and Mouth of the Shannon.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 115

25. Miraculous restoration of a dying infant at St. Brigid's birth

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    An infant, son of the King and Queen of Conaille who died suddenly on the day of Brigid's nativity, was touched by Brigid and immediately restored to life. Those present declared Brigid to be the saint promised by the prophets.

    Read the passage

    birth had preceded St. Brigid's by a single day,250 died suddenly on that of our saint's nativity.251 By some chance, Brigid, being brought near the life less body of this infant, touched it.252 The child was immediately restored to life. When this miracle took place, all who were present declared, Brigid was that renowned saint, promised by the prophets.253

    After our saint's birth, the magus is said to have brought her mother with him to Connaught, where he dwelt ; and, it is also stated, that the mother of this magus had been a native of that province, while his father was born in Munster.254 One day, when the mother of St. Brigid went some distance to milk cows,255 she left her infant sleeping alone in the house. Suddenly, it appeared to be in llames, and all who saw ran to extinguish them.256 On approaching the dwelling, however, these llames went out ; and on entering, the people found St. Brigid sweetly smiling, with infantile innocence and beauty, her cheeks being flushed with a roseate hue.-'57 All proclaimed aloud, that the child was replenished with graces of the Holy Spirit.1'5"

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 25

26. Rev. Anthony Cogan's death and burial at Slane in 1872

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1872

    Rev. Anthony Cogan, native of Slane and author of a major history of the diocese of Meath, died at Slane on 28 January 1872 and was buried in the Parish Church there, where a public monument was later erected to commemorate his work.

    Read the passage

    Diocesan Seminary of Xavan, he won all hearts by his goodness and gentleness. His collegiate duties were faithiully discharged ; while his literary labours were of a peculiarly arduous nature, and must, no doubt, have greatly ten led to undermine his constitution, in his preface to the fir-t volume the author says; "I went troni churchyard to church yard, taking the dimensions of the existing ruins, deciphering the t >mbs of priests, transcnbing the inscriptions on the pedestals of ol 1 chalices searching the registers, gather ing old documents an I letters of the deceased pa.stors, examining the lists ol subscribers catalogued in old books, visiting the old crosses and the holy wells, and taking notes o! every surviving memorial of the faiih and piety ol the people," p. viii. In declining health, " It is strange," he often observed to his friends, " I believe that 1 had a voca tion to wire this work, and I should not be surprised if God would call me soon, since I have finished my labours." He departed this life on Saturday, January 28th. 1872, at Slane, with his relatives so dearly loved by his bedside, at the comparatively early age of 46. He was buried on the following Monday, in the Parish Church of Slane, where a handsome public monument has been erected to commemorate his worth and services.

    33 The accompanying engraving, by Mrs. 0

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Rev. Anthony Cogan, a native of Slane, died on 28 January 1872, at the age of 46. He was the author of a major history of the diocese of Meath, a work that sent him from churchyard to churchyard, deciphering tombs of priests, transcribing inscriptions on old chalices, searching registers, gathering old documents, visiting old crosses and holy wells, and taking notes of every surviving memorial of the faith and piety of the people. He often told his friends, "I believe that I had a vocation to write this work, and I should not be surprised if God would call me soon, since I have finished my labours." He died on a Saturday at Slane, with his beloved relatives at his bedside. He was buried on the following Monday in the Parish Church of Slane, where a handsome public monument has been erected to commemorate his worth and services.

27. St. Brigid's burial with St. Patrick and Columkille at Down

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 521–523

    St. Brigid was reportedly interred at Down in Ulster, sharing the same tomb as St. Patrick and Columkille, an important detail about her final resting place.

    Read the passage

    It will surprise the curious investigator of our glorious saint's biography, to learn on what grounds Scoto-British writers state her birth to have taken place in Laudonia, that she was veiled by Bishop Machille in Mona Island,66 that she died and was buried at Abernethy/? in the Tiffa district of North Britain ; especially, when we take into account, that among many writers of St. Brigid's Acts, no one of them has even stated, she was born out of Ireland, or has mentioned any other place or country in Britain having connection with her Life and labours. We can hardly take into account Dempster's ridiculous explanation, that Laclenia/8 a province of Britain, should be sub stituted for Lagcnia. In previous passages, it will be seen, that the most authentic accounts make St. Brigid, not only a native of Ireland, but they even assert she was conceived in Leinster, was born in Ulster, and had been educated in Connaught ; they likewise state, that she assumed the veil in Mcath, while her labours extended to Minister, as well as to those other provinces already mentioned. In fine, it is stated, she died at Kildare in Lcinster, and afterwards she was honourably interred at Down in Ulster, having been deposited in the same tomb with St. Patrick and Columkille. Moreover, her paternal and maternal genealogy, derived through such a long line of ancestors, so many saints related to her, so many other holy Irish virgins bearing her name, and so many journeys taken by her, through Irish

    59 See " Scotorum Ilisloria1," &c., lib. 6s See "Appendix Quarta ad Acta S.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 37

28. St. Brigid's Deeds at Castle Lethglass and Macha

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    According to the Third Life, Brigid accompanied St. Patrick to Ulster and performed deeds at the Castle of Lethglass and in the town of Macha (Armagh).

    Read the passage

    29 The author of St. Brigid's Third Lifethought by Colgan to be St. Ultan — states, that St. Brigid was born in the country and house of a Magus (cap. 4) ; that this identical Magus went with the infant to Connaught, so soon as she was born (cap. 5) ; and, in the following chapter, he relates, how the child had been brought up in Connaught, until she had become a grown maiden. He tells us, how she returned to Lagenia, where her father lived (cap. n) ; how she was called another Mary, at a certain synod, assembled in the plain of the Liffey, in which Kildare is situated (cap. 14) ; how, in com pany with her father, she left the house of this latter to visit the King of Leinster, in the Liffey's great plain (cap. 90). He re lates, how she had received the veil in that land, belonging to the Niall family (cap. 1 8), and which is identical with Meath, as after wards indicated (cap. 21). He also records, in the following chapters, what she achieved in different countries and provinces of Ire land, as for instance, in Theba (cap. 29) ; how she accompanied St. Patrick to the northern part of Ireland, called Ulster, and what she did at the Castle of Lethglass and in the town of Macha (cap. 57, 60, 61) ; how she went with Bishop Ere, of Munster descent, into the southern province of Ire land (cap. 71) ; how returning to the ex treme bounds of Leinster, she entered the Labrathi country (cap. Si), and how in fine, returning to her father's house, she saved him from impending death (cap. 87). We have already seen, that in a hymn subjoined

    to St. Ultan's Life of our saint, she is said to have been distinguished in that island, " quse vocatur Hibernia," &c. If St. Brigid had been born in Britain, is it not strange, that St. Ultan, in no place, speaks of her birth, education, religious profession, &c., as having occurred there, while these inci dents, and special localities already men tioned, are referable alone to Ireland ? Nor does he even indicate, in one single instance, that she had ever left our island.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 34

29. St. Brigid's visit to Armagh and founding of Regles Brighde

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Brigid is said to have visited Armagh, likely after establishing Kildare, at St. Patrick's request, to help found a religious house for female converts. It is suggested that Regles Brighde, or St. Bride's Church, was a joint concern of Patrick and Brigid to house nuns of her order.

    Read the passage

    It is related, that Brigid visited Armagh, most probably after she had established her parent house at Kildare. She always desired the wise counsel of St. Patrick.25 It may not be unlikely, this journey was undertaken at the special request of the Irish Apostle himself. He intended Armagh to be the seat of ecclesiastical rule ; and, here he is said to have built, not alone his cathedral church,26 but likewise, several other religious houses.2? What could be more desirable, than founding a holy institute, where his fervent female converts could find a happy retreat and a career of Christian useful ness ? Who could be chosen more capable of teaching nuns, both by word and example, than the zealous and energetic Abbess of Kildare ?28 If we are to believe a modern compilation, St. Patrick founded Temple Brigid in this city of Armagh.29 It seems more likely, that the Regies Brighde, or St. Bride's Church, if founded during his lifetime, had been also the joint con cern of St. Brigid, to accommodate some religious daughters, belonging to her order. Long after her decease, the coarbs of the Regies Brighde,3°are men-

    21 See the foregoing narative produced in this place, A.D. 455, to St. Binen ; and that Abbate D. Giacomo Certani's "La Santita he died at Saul or Sabhal, A.D. 493. See Prodigiosa, Vitadi S. Brigida Ibernese." chap, i., pp. 82, 84, 85.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 90

30. St. Brigid's Well at Faughart graveyard

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    North-west of the old church, within the graveyard enclosure at Faughart, is shown 'St. Brigid's Well,' which was found dried up when visited, reportedly as a result of some previous desecration.

    Read the passage

    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

31. The falcon's breeding retreat at Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    During breeding season, St. Brigid's falcon was accustomed to retreat among the mountains of Glendalough before returning to nest at Kildare.

    Read the passage

    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

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 161

32. Tradition of Tullagh as a Sanctuary or Asylum

    near Tully · street · Dublin

    Owing to the presence of ancient crosses and stone fragments, it has been inferred that Tullagh was one of those sanctuaries or asylums intended to protect the penitent or persecuted at a time when violence prevailed and justice was often frustrated.

    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 lies the site of an ancient church whose old ruins still stand among elder, hawthorn, and ash trees. Stone crosses mark the ground, one by the road outside the graveyard and another in a field opposite, with scattered fragments around it. From these signs it has been inferred that Tullagh was 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. What remains is a chancel measuring 25 by 18 feet, to which a corresponding nave was never built, though marks on the western wall suggest an older nave just 15 feet wide. Curiously incised rude stone monuments are found here too, drawn and described by the late George V. Da Noyer and Mr. H. Parkinson.

33. Crimthann possibly aided founding of Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 478–480

    Crimthann, king of Leinster, is thought to have been instrumental in aiding St. Brigid to found her nunnery and church at Kildare while he was chief ruler over the Leinster province.

    Read the passage

    is related to have killed Oilioll Molt in this battle.33 Moreover, in the Acts of St. Kieran,34 it would appear to be stated, that this Crinnhann ob tained supreme sovereignty over the country after the light of Ocha.35 Doubtless, his power was great, and his inlluence was respected by the supreme monarch who succeeded ; but, Crimthann himself does not seem to have aspired to the sovereignty oi Ireland. He survived this battle of Ocha, as we might infer, only one year ; for, it is said, he received a mortal wound in the battle of (inmaird, fought in the year 478,^ yet, most strangely, the verv same authority deters his death to 480.3? Perhaps, he was instru mental in aiding St. Urigid to found her nunnery and church at Kildare, while he was chief ruler over the Lemper province. 33 His daughter Ethnea, surnamed Huathadi, -' is said to have been married to the religious ^L'ngus, Prince of Minister, who had been baptized by St. Patrick.

    W hen the illustrious lady reached the Leinster province, its chiefs and people welcomed her with the liveliest demonstrations of respect and re joicing. She sought a spot, but slightly elevated over the surrounding ex tensive " plain of the Liliy.r-»° There the ground was gently undulating and fertile; and, it is said to have been anciently styled, Druim Criadh, or "the ridge of clay."-*1 At this time, a large oak tree— a favourite with our saint, and blessed by her — grew upon the spot. Its branches spread around, and it must have been a remarkable natural feature of the landscape.*2 This

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kildare, you're passing through a place whose Christian story may have begun with Crimthann, king of Leinster. He was chief ruler over the province around 478 to 480, and is thought to have been instrumental in aiding St. Brigid to found her nunnery and church here. He received a mortal wound at the battle of Ocha in 478, yet his death is dated to 480. His daughter Ethnea, surnamed Huathadi, is said to have married the religious Angus, Prince of Munster, who had been baptized by St. Patrick. When Brigid reached the Leinster province, its chiefs and people welcomed her with what the source calls the liveliest demonstrations of respect and rejoicing. She sought a spot only slightly elevated over the surrounding plain of the Lily. The ground there was gently undulating and fertile, and was said to have been anciently styled Druim Criadh, the ridge of clay. A large oak tree, blessed by her, grew upon the spot, its branches spreading wide.

34. Kildare Church Divided into Three Parts

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Cogitosus records that St. Brigid ruled both nuns and a large community of men in a separate monastery at Kildare, requiring St. Conlaeth as bishop and spiritual director. The church at Kildare was divided by partitions into three parts for monks, nuns, and laity.

    Read the passage

    L Brigid appears to have established different houses belonging to her order, in various parts of Ireland, after, if not before, the foundation of her nunnery at Kildare. Vet, it is no easy matter to determine the dates, when th.se several establishments were erected, owing to that loose and unchronolopcal manner, in which they are mentioned, throughout her different lives. The monasteries established by St. Brigid conferred great blessings on this country, by making accessible to the people the boon of religious education. 36 We are informed, that her Rule was followed, for a long time, by the greatest part of those monasteries, belonging to sacred virgins in Ireland ; nearly all of these acknowledging our saint as their mother and mistress, and the monastery of Kildare as the headquarters of their Order. Moreover, Cogitosus informs us, in his prologue to her life, that not only did she rule nuns, but also a large community of men, who lived in a separate monastery. This obliged the saint to call to her aid, and from out his solitude, the holy bishop, S. Conlaeth, to be the director and spiritual father of her religious ; and. at the same time, to be bishop of the city. The church at Kildare, to suit the necessities of the double monastery and to accommodate the laity, was divided by partitions into three distinct parts. One of these was reserved for the monks ; one for the nuns ; while a third compartment was intended to suit the requirements of the laity.3?

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are moving through a place that was once the headquarters of St. Brigid's order across Ireland. According to Cogitosus, writing in his prologue to her life, Brigid ruled not only nuns but a large community of men who lived in a separate monastery. This double community required her to call the holy bishop Conlaeth from his solitude, to serve as spiritual director of her religious and as bishop of the city. The church at Kildare, to suit the needs of both monasteries and to accommodate the laity, was divided by partitions into three distinct parts. One was reserved for the monks, one for the nuns, and a third was intended for the laity. Brigid's monasteries across Ireland conferred great blessings on the country by making religious education accessible to the people. Her Rule was followed for a long time by the greatest part of the monasteries belonging to sacred virgins in Ireland, with nearly all acknowledging her as their mother and mistress and the monastery of Kildare as the headquarters of their order. The exact dates of the several establishments she founded are difficult to determine, owing to the loose and unchronological manner in which they are mentioned throughout her different lives.

35. St. Brigid's relics moved from Kildare to Down

    near Downpatrick · town · Down

    Cogitosus's Life was written before the removal of St. Brigid's relics to Down and before the ravages caused by the Danes or Irish princes in Kildare, an event Colgan places before or about the middle of the ninth century.

    Read the passage

    The first of Colgan's Brigidine Lives is that Irish poem, ascribed to St. Brogan45 of Rosstuirc, in Ossory.46 This, according to one inference, had been written about the beginning of the sixth century,47 soon after St. Brigid's death, if we credit the scholiast's statement.43 However, if St. Ultan4^ of Ardbraccan advised Brogan to compose it — as the same authority states — its production is thought to be more properly referable to the seventh century.50 The second is her life, by Cogitosus,51 who is incorrectly consi dered to have been a nephew and contemporary of the holy Virgin.52 It would appear, even from a passage in the Prologue to this Life,53 how that Prelate of Kildare, at the time its author wrote, was Archbishop over the Leinster province,54 while many bishops had preceded him in rule, since this See of Kildare had been first ruled by Conlaeth.55 That this work had been written, before the removal took place of St. Brigid's relics to Down,56 and

    posed "Consolatio pro morte Amici," in Latin verse, with some other poetical pieces. .See S. Austin Allibone's " Critical Dic tionary of English Literature," &c., vol. ii., p. 1064.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 8

36. Blessed Water Vessel Near Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    While seated near Armagh city, St. Brigid blessed water brought by two men in an uncovered wooden vessel; when the vessel later fell on its side, none of the water spilled. St. Patrick had the water distributed among churches near Armagh for use in the Eucharist and sprinkled on fields.

    Read the passage

    same time. Departing from her, it happened, that vessel containing water fell on its side, and not only did it remain unbroken, but not even one drop of its contents spilled through the aperture.56 This remarkable cir cumstance was attributed to the efficacy of St. Brigid's prayers. When St. Patrick had been informed regarding such an occurrence, he ordered a part of the water contained in that vessel to be divided among particular churches about Armagh,5? and to be used in the Eucharistic sacrifice.58 Another portion he desired should be sprinkled on the fields, to make them productive. M His orders were obeyed, and many, who had been benefited by this distribution, gave thanks to God and to his glorious servant, St. Brigid.60

    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

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 93

37. Building of the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Brigid, Kilcullen

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1869–1875

    A noble parochial church of Gothic design dedicated jointly to the Sacred Heart and St. Brigid was erected at Kilcullen. The foundation stone was laid by Cardinal Paul Cullen in 1869, with the dedication ceremony performed by him in 1872, using Tullamore limestone for the exterior.

    Read the passage

    Matthew P Lan-an, P.P. of Kilcullcn. ' St. Ailbe is said to have died A.D. 541. The first stone was laid by His Eminence See Drs. Todd's and Reeves " Martyrology Paul Cullen, Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin, of Donegal, " pp. 246, 247 on the ?th of August, 1869 ; while, the de- ^ See his Acts at the 5th of March dication ceremony, performed by the same ?s See Dr. Lanigan s " Ecclesiastical Insvenerated Prince of the Church, took place tory of Ireland," vol. 11., chap, x., sec. 2, on the 8th of September, 1872. The build- and n. 31, pp. 8, 9. ,,..,-, in" material used on the exterior is Tulla- ** See his Life at the 4th of April. The more limestone, of the best description. The close of his life is set down at A.D. 548. interior is most elegantly furnished with See Drs. Todd's and Reeves Martyrology marble altars, and with details of architec- of Donegal," pp. 94, 95. ture or decorations, in a suitable style. The ^ See his Life at the 3rd of May. church, towards the close of 1875, was per- 3« See his Life at the bth of I- ebruary. fectly completed, both externally and in- - See Dr. O Donovan s Annals of the ternally, with the exception of the grand Four Masters, ' vol. i., pp. 152, 153. tower and spire, to be joined to the nave, - See his Life at the 24th of November. by a cloistral entrance. The detached i4 Sec ibid.

    building will represent the presbytery, *> See his Life at the 25th of April

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kilcullen in Kildare, you are near a noble Gothic church dedicated jointly to the Sacred Heart and St. Brigid. Cardinal Paul Cullen, Archbishop of Dublin, laid the foundation stone in August 1869 and returned to perform the dedication ceremony on the 8th of September 1872. The exterior is built of Tullamore limestone, described as "of the best description," and the interior is furnished with marble altars and decorated in a fitting style. By the close of 1875 the church was perfectly completed inside and out, apart from a grand tower and spire still to be joined to the nave by a cloistral entrance. A detached building beside it serves as the presbytery.

38. Cyclopean Doorway of Ardagh Church Noted by Antiquarians

    Ardagh · parish · Longford · 1837

    The ruined church at Ardagh is described as one of the most cyclopean and archaic type, with a doorway that was perfect but remarkably low as observed in 1837. Its stones are noted as being eight feet long, located at the south-east angle of a modern graveyard.

    Read the passage

    ship, and it may have been at Ardagh, where at present a very ancient ruined church is shown.122 It is one of the most cyclopean and archaic type.I23 The door-way was perfect, but remarkably low.I24 Also, it must be observed, that a very prevailing popular tradition associates St. Brigid with St. Mel, as a chief patroness of the Ardagh diocese,125 and a holy

    1:0 He adds, that wo may find a Teghbrighide, or Brigid's house, in Kinel-fiacha i.e., the country about Kilbeggan. See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. i., chap, viii., sec. iii., and n. 47, pp. 386, 389.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 61

39. Leper hospital at Carrickfergus dedicated to St. Brigid

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim

    At Carrickfergus there was a hospital for lepers dedicated to St. Brigid, with the adjoining lands still called the Spiral Fields, and a spring called St. Bride's Well on the north side marking the site of another hospital also dedicated to her.

    Read the passage

    Some ancient religious institutions were under her patronage. A hermitage was dedicated to St. Bride, by the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham. It was situated near Waterford. Again, at Carrickfergus, there was an hospital for lepers. The adjoining lands are yet called the Spiral Fields. The hospital was dedicated to St. Brigid. At the north side of Carrickfergus, a spring, called St. Bride's Well, marks the site of an hospital, also dedicated to St. Brigid. We find an hospital for lepers was dedicated to St. Erigid, in the town and parish of Dungarvan,-'^ barony of Decies without Drum, situated within the diocese of Lismore,2;6and county of Waterford. Besides, there was an hospital for lepers, within the diocese and town of Lismore,~J7 province of Munster, dedicated to St. Brigid.2-- She seems to have been the peculiar patroness of such afflicted persons.

    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 174

40. St. Brigid's Relics Preserved at Kildare and Down

    near Down · parish · Down

    St. Brigid's relics were preserved with great honour at Kildare, and afterwards at Down, for many years after her death. This continuity of relic veneration is noted as certain from earlier evidence in the text.

    Read the passage

    It is certain, from what we have already seen, the great St. Brigid's relics were preserved with great honour, at Kilclare, and afterwards at Down, for many years after her death. Among other relics of our saint, Hanmer men tions a bell, called " Clogg Brietta," or " Brigid's Bell," which he says, the superstitious Irish found out, in process of time, and to which they attributed great virtue and holiness. This bell, he says, and other toys, carried about, not only in Ireland, but also in England, were banished the land, in the time of Henry V.I24 Colgan indignantly takes exception to such statements ; and, he shows, that the relic in question was not a recent invention or a fraud, but that it had existed from a remote period.125 Yet, he would not under take to pronounce, whether or not, this had been the identical bell, sent by St. Gildas to our saint as a present.126 At the church of Serin, in Ireland, was preserved a shroud, in which St. Brigid's corpse is said to have been wrapped, together with other much venerated relics of this same church.12? Doctor Petrie tells us, that he had in his own cabinet, that celebrated reli quary, which contained a slipper of St. Bridget. It is said, that a part of St. Brigid's sacred relics, and especially the wood that became green,128 were preserved at Candida Casa, until these had been profaned at the period of the Reformation. I29 In his catalogue of the Irish saints, Ricardus Convaeus, as already mentioned, tells us, that some relics belonging to our saint, were preserved in a church of the city of Lisbon, in Portugal. It is not impro bable, that certain mementoes of St. Brigid had been deposited in some of the churches, dedicated to her memory, as previously detailed, and more especially within those, which were built in extern countries. J3°

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 187

41. St. Brigid's Stone bullaun rock at Killinagh

    Killinagh · townland · Cork

    There is a curious object called St. Brigid's Stone at Killinagh, near Bantry, a five-holed Bullaun rock containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity.

    Read the passage

    and a beautiful situation, on a green bank along it, and at the extremity of a long valley, which stretches several miles to the west. It was dedicated to St. Bridget,243 and probably its River Bride was called after her. In addi tion, we may observe, there is a very curious object, called St. Brigid's Stone,244 to be seen at Killinagh, near Bantry, in the county of Cork. This is a five-holed Bullaun rock, containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity.245 We find a Saint Brigid's Chair, at Lough Berg. There is an old monument, inscribed with a cross, in the churchyard of Kilbride, county of Wicklow.246 There is, also, an old stone, with several incised crosses, found at Faughart old church, county Louth.24? This is called St. Brigid's Stone, owing to some supposed association with her.

    Several modern churches, chapels, and religious institutes, have St. Brigid as patroness. The new parochial church of Kilcullen, as we have already seen, has been dedicated to her. In addition, as has been stated, Kildare town has a Catholic church and a nunnery, under her protection. Through out the diocese of Kildare are other religious edifices, holding her as the patroness ; but, it is to be regretted, a complete list of her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known.248 The Catholic church of Kilbride, parish of Dunganstown, not only occupies the site of a very ancient church dedicated to our saint, but, it yet rejoices in her, as its special patroness. Near the old church ruins24^ and churchyard of Kilbride, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel, in the village, has been dedicated to St. Brigid.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 175

42. St Lasrea offers her church to St Brigid forever

    Killaraght · townland · Sligo

    After witnessing the miracle of the multiplied food, St Lasrea offered her place, previously an independent convent, to God and to St Brigid for ever, indicating a transfer of jurisdiction.

    Read the passage

    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

43. Abbey and Parish Church of St. Brigid at Castleknock

    Castleknock · townland · Dublin · 1184

    About 1184 Richard Tyrrell granted lands in honour of St. Brigid to endow an abbey for Canons at Castleknock, and the parish church there, five miles from Dublin, was also dedicated to St. Brigid, who was patroness of a cell established there.

    Read the passage

    At Swords, about eight miles from Dublin, there was a chapel, dedicated to St. Brigid, lying north of the town, and an ancient pardon cross stood near.2* It adjoined the prebendary's glebe, and it arose not far from the gates of the old archiepiscopal palace, having two burgages attached.25 At Ward,26 about three or four miles from Dublin, on the Finglas side, are the very slender ruins of a chapel, dedicated to St. Brigid,2? one of three subser vient to Finglas. These remains are sodded over, almost even with the ground, excepting one ivied gable. No tomb of note is to be found in the graveyard.28 This chapel of Ward,29 a parochial one, in the barony of Castleknock, lay within the diocese and county of Dublin. 3° At Castleknock, about five miles from Dublin, there might formerly be seen an abbey for Canons, following the rule of St. Augustine. About 1184, Richard Tyrrell, in honour of St. Brigid, granted certain lands to endow it.31 This handsome suburban village of Castleknock,32 had a parish church in a barony so called, of Dublin county and diocese.33 It was dedicated to St. Brigid, who was also patroness of a cell there established.3* Likewise, a Kildarenia, parish church, belonging to the diocese of Dublin,35 is said to have been under St. Brigid's patronage. Tulach, or Tully,36 a parish within the barony of Rathdown, county and diocese of Dublin,37 had a church dedicated to St. Brigid.38 Already has allusion to it been made, in a previous chapter. Besides these, Grainseach Harold, alias, Harold Grange, a parish church, within the county and diocese of Dublin,3? was under the patronage of St. Brigid. At Tallagh, about seven miles from Dublin, a chapel of St. Bride stood near the Dodder. The stones of this building were used in the erection of an adjoining factory. There was a Kilbride chapel, near Rath-

    "- In 1870. •'= See Colgau, p. 625.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Castleknock, about five miles from Dublin, there was once an abbey for Canons following the rule of St. Augustine. Around 1184, Richard Tyrrell granted lands in honour of St. Brigid to endow it. The parish church here was also dedicated to St. Brigid, and she was patroness of a cell established at this place.

44. Carmelite house built by William de Vescy

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1290

    In 1290 William de Vescy built a house for Carmelites or White Friars at Kildare, and a few members of this order still occupied a dwelling standing on the site at the time of writing.

    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, this town holds the remains of a Carmelite house built in 1290 by William de Vescy. He built it for the Carmelites, also called the White Friars. At the time of writing, a few members of the order still occupied a dwelling standing on the site. The same William de Vescy had earlier, around 1260, established a friary for the Franciscan Order, now known as the Grey Abbey. That abbey sits on the south side of the town, near a high road, surrounded by an extensive graveyard with humble graves and inscribed headstones. A high hawthorn fence separates it from the road, and an iron gate forms the entrance, though the outer fences are broken down and cattle range among the graves and ruins. The ruins suggest two divisions, the friary proper and its church in immediate proximity. The building appears to have been 35 yards from east to west and 8 yards wide inside. The north wall of the church had six lancet-headed windows and was propped by four buttresses built long after the church was completed. A large pointed window occupied the east gable. The south side-wall is much broken, and half of the west gable is entirely gone. The plan at one time was nearly cruciform. The Carmelite house built in 1290 is the one your road brings you near now.

45. Cogitosus's Account of St. Brigid's Church at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Cogitosus describes a celebrated church of St. Brigid at Kildare, extolling it in his prologue and describing it in detail in the 35th chapter of her Life, noting that St. Brigid was interred there.

    Read the passage

    15 St. Cogitosus, in the first chapter of her life, says, that St. Brigid was horn in Scotia, and descended from the good and honour able family of L'thech, her father being named Dubtach, and her mother Brocessa. By the Scotia here mentioned, it is evident, Scotia Major, or Ireland, must be intended ; as well because no author who flourished before the time of Cogitosus, nor any writer who lived 400 years after him, understood that any other country save Ireland had re ceived this name of Scotia, as also, because Fthech's family flourished in Hibernia, and not in Scotia Minor or Albania. Again, the same author mentions a celebrated church of St. Brigid at Kildare, which he greatly extols in his prologue, and most ac curately describes in the 351!! chapter of her Life. In this church, he tells us, St. Brigid was interred. He also names a most exten sive plain of Bu.;, in the 2yth chapter. Other bishops of Ireland are alluded to in this same life, as likewise in its prologue, when the words, Scotia and Ilibernia, Scoti and Hibernienses are used as synonymous terms.

    16 See " Ilistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i., lib. ii., pp. 82, 84.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is the town where Cogitosus placed a celebrated church of St. Brigid. He greatly extolled it in his prologue and described it carefully in the 35th chapter of her Life, and he tells us St. Brigid was interred there. Cogitosus also says Brigid was born in Scotia, which he and other writers of the time used as another name for Ireland. Her father was Dubtach and her mother Brocessa, and she came from the family of L'thech. He mentions a most extensive plain in the 29th chapter as well. Other bishops of Ireland are alluded to in the same Life and its prologue, where Scotia and Hibernia, Scoti and Hibernienses are used as synonymous terms.

46. Confusion Between Glastonbury and Down (Dun da-Lethglas) as Burial Place

    near Downpatrick · town · Down

    A legend arose that St. Brigid and St. Columkille were buried at Glastonbury, but this likely stemmed from confusion with Down in Ireland, anciently called Dun da-Lethglas, where the name Leath-glas was mistakenly substituted for Glaston.

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    interment at Glastonbury, may be traced, owing to this latter place having been possibly confounded with Down, in Ireland. ? This city was called Dun da-Lethglas,8 in our ancient language. A fable, propagated by some ignorant legend-mongers and scribes, had its probable origin from the circumstance, that our two great Irish Saints had been buried, in the town or fort called Leath-glas ; while, it is supposed, Lcat/i-glas had been incor rectly substituted for Glaston? It is said, this latter designation may be more fully Anglicized, " the glassy city," or "the city of glass.' '

    Among other laudable practices, which were followed by tne pious and cultivated intelligence of holy Brigid, her nuns and scribes,11 that of writing or copying religious books must deserve especial regard.12 to Pa^an times, and derivable from eastern climes, or from the Druidic schools,^ the long-neglected Celtic art of illumination was, at least, charac teristic of the ages of faith in this kingdom.1* So skilful were our sainted illuminators of old, so wonderful was their work of ornamentation, so elaborate, so interlaced and intertwined, so minute and yet so perfect in all details were the manuscripts of our ancient scribes,1* that the first Anglo-Norman sett

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 146

47. Death of St. Conlaeth, Bishop of Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 519

    St. Conlaeth, Bishop of Kildare, died on the 3rd of May 519 according to the Annales Ultonienses. St. Brigid did not long survive him.

    Read the passage

    St. Conleath, Bishop of Kildare, departed this life on the 3rd of May, 519 ;8 and, St. Brigid did not long survive him. 9 She was already descending the vale of years, and infirmity began to grow upon her ; although, we are not given to understand, what had been the nature of that sickness, which caused her death. At its approach, however, she had a conference with one of her nuns, named Darlugdacha, to whom she confided a charge over her com munity, after the event of her own expected departure.10 St. Bridget also declared her successor should survive only one year, and depart this life on the ist of February ; so that thus, both their names should be venerated, on this same day.11 Therefore, as they were united in affection during life, in like measure, after death, their memories were conjointly held in honour. It would seem beyond the power of tongue or pen. to describe the wonders of Brigid's daily existence. Many miracles and incidents already recorded, concerning this holy abbess, and several not mentioned in this her life, will be found in the Acts of various other Irish saints.12

    She was now about to cease from her toils and to enjoy everlasting rest ; but, whether decay or decrepitude, awaited her closing years, seems to be alto gether unknown.^ When the last day of our most illustrious and holy virgin in this life had approached, and after a long pilgrimage, Brigid was beckoned to her reward. Then, while sailing on the British sea,1* by force of the wands, or rather by God's providence, St. Ninnid was wafted to the Irish coast. l=

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, this is where St. Conlaeth, Bishop of Kildare, died on the 3rd of May 519, according to the Annals of Ulster. St. Brigid did not long survive him. She was already descending the vale of years, and infirmity began to grow upon her, though the nature of her sickness is not given. As death approached, she spoke with one of her nuns, Darlugdacha, and confided to her the charge over her community. Brigid declared that her successor should survive only one year and depart this life on the 1st of February, so that both their names would be venerated on the same day. As they were united in affection during life, so after death their memories were held in honour together. The wonders of Brigid's daily existence, the record says, were beyond the power of tongue or pen to describe. When her last day approached and she was beckoned to her reward, St. Ninnid was sailing on the British sea and, by God's providence, was wafted to the Irish coast.

48. First Brigitine convent founded at Tullow

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1807

    The first convent of St. Brigid was founded in Tullow, county Carlow, by Right Rev. Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the 1st of February 1807.

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    After the beginning of the present century, a religious community of Brigitine nuns was established in Ireland. This is a most useful institute, for the peculiar wants of our country • and, it has been in highly successful operation, from the very commencement of its inauguration. The first con vent of St. Brigid was founded in Tullow, county of Carlow, by the Right Rev. Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the ist of February, 1807, as also, the Convent of St. Brigid, in Mountrath, on the iSth of April, 1809. Besides these, the Convent of Tullow has sent out two affiliations, one to Abbeyleix, in the Queen's County, A.D. 1842, and one to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, A.D. 1858. Of late, another branch has been established at Paulstown, not far from the latter place, and within the same county. All of these houses are situated in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns have adopted a constitution and rules, which tend greatly to promote charity, piety, and religious knowledge, in every parish, where their institute has been established. They gain over many of the humble people to a life of peni tence. Holding lighted tapers in their hands, they make a solemn declara tion and dedication of themselves, on each feast of St. Brigid.26c This order has been established for educational purposes, and, it has three schools in constant operation, under each community ; a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. The teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days, in the parish church to which their convent belongs, is a special rule of this order.261

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 176

49. Kildare grows from humble nunnery to city

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Kildare's nunnery began humble and poorly endowed, supported by local alms, but grew as many pious women sought admission, requiring enlargement of the buildings. Eventually houses grew around the monastery until Kildare became a considerable town and later a city.

    Read the passage

    Numbers of infirm and poor flocked to Kildare, seeking relief from their various necessities ; and many anecdotes are related, regarding the charities of St. Brigid, especially towards this forlorn class of persons. With the course of time, several houses began to appear around her religious establishment, as it became necessary to provide for the necessities of those, who came from a distance, or, who were brought from more immediate districts, to assist at the pious exercises and public celebrations of her conventual institute. By degrees, from being merely a village, Kildare became a very considerable town ; and, at length, its habitations extended in number and size, so that it ranked as a city, at a period somewhat later.?3 St. Brigid traced out a line of demarkation, likewise, around the city, within which boundary refuge was to be obtained, by any fugitive ; and, his claim to protection was consequently allowed, by all those, who respected the ordinances and memory of their illus-

    68 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of that she was called Hibernice Domina, as we

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kildare now. This place grew from a small nunnery that Saint Brigid founded, poorly endowed at first and supported by local alms. Numbers of infirm and poor flocked here seeking relief, and many pious women sought admission, so the buildings had to be enlarged. Over time houses appeared around the religious establishment, built for those who came from a distance to attend the pious exercises and public celebrations of her conventual institute. By degrees, from being merely a village, Kildare became a considerable town, and at length its habitations extended so that it ranked as a city. Saint Brigid traced out a line of demarcation around the city, within which boundary any fugitive could obtain refuge, and that claim to protection was respected by all who honoured her ordinances and memory.

50. Martyrology of Maelruain of Tallaght records Brigid's virtue

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin

    A very old vellum book containing the Martyrology of Maelruain of Tallaght, along with names of saints and mothers of saints, states that Brighit followed the manners and life practised by the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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    Some great characteristics of our holy virgin are thus alluded to in an ancient biography. "It was her anxious care to comfort the poor, to banish all distress, to relieve all wretchedness : there was no one more modest, more righteous, more humble, or more chaste ; she never looked in the face of man ; she was abstinent, she was spotless, she was prayerful, she was patient, she was joyful in the commandments of God. She was a consecrated shrine to receive the Body and Blood of Christ : she was the temple of God : her heart and her mind were an abiding throne for the Holy Ghost. She was bright in miracles ; her type among creatures is the dove among birds, the vine among trees, the sun amidst the stars. It is she that relieves all who are in distress and danger ; it is she that subdues disease. It is she that restrains the angry fury of the sea. She is the Mary of Ireland."1*0 This is not the sole highly-coloured panegyric found in our ancient literature. A very old book of vellum, in which is found the Martyrology of Maelruain of Tallagh, and also the saints bearing the same name,1*1 with the names of many mothers of the saints, states, that Brighit was following the manners and the life, which the holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, had practised.1*2 Such was her aptitude for devotional feeling, that she possessed every virtue which could adorn a child of Mary, or which could endear her to those who were around her.^3

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 47

51. Regles Brighde's endowments and later dissolution

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Two townlands belonging to the Regles Brighde nunnery once paid a rental of four shillings a year, but by the suppression of religious houses its sole possessions were the building and about one acre of surrounding ground.

    Read the passage

    tioned in our annals.31 Now St. Bride's shares its honours with a paddocks From the expression coarb, ^ or abbatial successor, we may conclude that, though small, it was a religious house which might have traced back its origin to the era of its reputed founder^4 In 1179, the Regies Brighde and the Teampull-na-Fearta^ escaped a wide-spread conflagration^6 which consumed the greater part of Armagh. 3? In 1189, however, Armagh was burned from St. Brigid's cross to the Regies Brighde. 3s The occupants of the nunnery here were possibly of St. Brigid's order, and observants of her rule, from the earliest period.-^ Two townlands belonging to it, at one time, paid a rental of four shillings a year.40 Afterwards, these endowments seem to have been absorbed in some more powerful interest ; for, at the period of the suppression of religious houses, its sole possessions were the building and the surrounding premises, which occupied about one acre.41 At the time of the dissolution4- it was a nunnery, and possibly a cell of Templefertagh ; for, in inquisitions and patents, both are coupled, and they have changed hands in company ever since.4-* The precincts of Temple-breed occupy an irregular space, situated to the south-east of the Protestant cathedral, at Armaghfand having frontage in the middle, at the south side of Castle-street.4"4 ' The old Catholic chapel stands on the south-west bound, and the site of Templebreed lies about thirty yards north-east of the near end of the chapel. 4$ An ancient cemetery adjoined the nunnery.46 The historian of Armagh cor rectly identifies Teampull na Fearta with the Dobbin holding;4? yet, strange to say, elsewhere, he professes his inability to determine its position.48 Like

    p. 25. Printed for the Author, Lu.sk : MDCCCI.X, small Svo.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 91

52. Ruins of St. Brigid's old church at Faughart described

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 1836

    Near the Dun, in the townland and parish of Faughart, on the summit of a rising hill, stand the ruins of St. Brigid's old church, described in detail as measuring 24 yards in length in 1836, with breached gables and walls in dilapidated condition.

    Read the passage

    circular fosse surrounded the lower ascent of this high Dun,2?6 from the top of which a magnificent view of the bay and town of Dundalk, with the sublime crags of the Carlingford mountains, extending far into the sea, towards the north and east, can be obtained.27' Near this Dun, in the townland and parish of Faughart, on the very summit of a rising hill, are the ruins of St. Brig-id's old church. ^ The entire length was 24 yards, and the

    Church KUHU at Foughart, Co. Louth.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 25

53. St. Aileran the Wise heads Clonard School and writes Brigid's Life

    Clonard · town · Meath

    St. Aleran, surnamed the Wise, was a president or chief-director over Clonard School in Meath, and he wrote St. Brigid's Life, as testified by St. Coelan.

    Read the passage

    St. Ultan,24 Bishop of Ardhraccan, in Meatb, it is believed, wrote a book on the Life of St. Brigid.25 He also, it is said, composed a hymn, in her praise.25 Colgan has assigned both of these tracts to the third place among his various published acts of our saint.27 This author flourished about A.D. 580, and he is reputed to have died, at a very old age. on the 4th of Sep tember. A.D. 656. 2S St. Aleran, or Aileran, sometimes called Eleran,^ and surnamed the Wise, was a president or chief-director over Clonard School, in Mcath. He wrote St. Brigid's Life.30 This is testified by St. Coelan, who himself composed metrical acts of St. Brigid.31 St. Aileran's feast has been assigned incorrectly to the nth of August. •">-' and his death is set down at 664. This year of* mortality, however, seems rather referable to St. Aileran the Wise,3- whose feast is held on the 2Qth of December. Kilian or Coelanus, of Inis-Keltra,34 composed St. Brigid's Life in verse.35 This forms the sixth and last of her acts, as published by Colgan.36 In his notes, postfixed to this metrical life,37 the editor attempts to prove that Coelan llourished about the end of the seventh or beginning of the eighth century.33 Animosus, who appears to have acquired the name Anmchiudh or Anmire, among the Irish, is said to have written many books of St. Brigid's acts.39 This author, as has been thought, nourished about the year 950. -»° At a period subsequent to the time of writers already named, many others, who nourished after the commencement of the twelfth century, wrote her life. Among these authors may be enumerated, Laurence of Durham, <r who is

    Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga," cap. iv., v., vi., pp. 48.5 to 486.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonard, a town in Meath with an old scholarly tradition. In the 600s, St. Aileran, surnamed the Wise, was president or chief director over the school here, and he wrote a Life of St. Brigid. St. Coelan, who himself composed metrical acts of St. Brigid, testified to Aileran's authorship. Aileran's death is set down at 664, and his feast is held on the 29th of December, though it was at one point incorrectly assigned to the 11th of August.

54. St. Brigid's Well and round tower at Clondalkin

    near Clondalkin · town · Dublin

    At Clondalkin there is a well dedicated to St. Brigid, and here too there is a fine round tower in good preservation.

    Read the passage

    The following ancient wells were dedicated to St. Ericle, within the city and county of Dublin. In a court, off Bride-street, is her spring, now covered by a pump. Between the ivied ruins of St. Margaret's and Dunsoghly Castle, an ancient well, dedicated to St. Erigid,210 is surrounded by a battlemented wall.2" At St. Margaret's, near Finglas, there is a tepid spring, and it is called St. Erigid's Well. At Clondalkin, there is a well dedicated to her. Here, also, there is a fine round tower in good preservation.2'2 At Swords, 2I-> seven miles north from Dublin Castle,2'4 and near the ancient nunnery, a well of St. Brigid was to be seen. Again, at Clonskeagh,21* there is a well of St. Brigid. At the Valley of Diamonds, near Bray, there is, likewise, a well of St. Brigid. At Castleknock, there was a well called after her. We are not sure if it yet exists. The place derives its name from an old castle, built in the reign of Henry II., on a hill.210 Again, it is stated, on verbal authority, that there is a well, dedicated to St. Bride, near the ruins of the old Black Castle, on the sea-shore, not far from Wicklow town.21? The well is in a very out-of-the-way place. In Killisk parish,213 barony of Ballagh-

    "-' It is marked on the "Ordnance Sur- County of Dublin.'' Uy John S. Sloane,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Clondalkin, you are near a well dedicated to St. Brigid. Here too stands a fine round tower, in good preservation. The source names these together and says little more, so there is not much to add beyond that the well was one of several dedicated to St. Brigid across Dublin and its county, at places like Swords, Clonskeagh, Castleknock, and near Bray. Clondalkin is the spot where both the well and the tower are found side by side.

55. The Cell of the Oak at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    While living in the 'Cell of the Oak' at Kildare, St. Brigid told a young maiden bringing an offering to remain for the festival, promising the Almighty would protect her parents' cattle and home in their absence.

    Read the passage

    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, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is the town where St. Brigid lived in what was called the Cell of the Oak. On the eve of a certain festival, a young maiden came bringing an offering to Brigid. The maiden said she had to return home to watch over her parents' house and flocks, as her father and mother wished to spend the holy vigil at Kildare. Brigid told the maiden to remain, promising that the Almighty would protect their cattle and home. The parents came as Brigid predicted, and the family celebrated the festival together. But thieves took advantage of the family's absence. In the middle of the night they stole the cattle and drove them toward the Liffey. The river was so swollen that the water flowed over its banks. The robbers laboured through much of the night trying to force the terrified cattle through the flood. Then they stripped off their garments and tied them with cords to the horns of the cattle.

56. Abbey and church at Drumbride said built by St. Brigid

    Drumbride · townland · Meath

    At Drumbride, near Drumcondra, an abbey and church are said to have been erected by St. Brigid on a lofty hill, with portions of the old church remaining about two miles north of Drumcondra. The cemetery there remains a favourite place of interment, with a moat beside it.

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    gallion, and county of Meath. We find, also, a parish, called Kilbridess or Moymet,56 in the barony of Upper Navan, deanery of Trim, and county of Meath. It contains an old church, venerable in its desolation, and mantled with ivy.s? It measures seventy-five by sixteen feet. At Iskaroon,s8 there is a church and well dedicated to St. Brigid. A cemetery adjoined both, but it has been discontinued as a place of interment for many past years. 59 In Killare parish,60 barony of Rathconrath, and county of Westmeath, deanery of Clara, and diocese of Meath, there are the ruins of St. Brigid's chapel ; the length was thirty-three feet, by nineteen in breadth. Two ash-trees spread over the site of the altar. St. Bridgid's Well, shaded by an ash-tree, is also pointed out. Again, a small chapel, called Tigh-Bahrighde, or " Bridgid's House," stood on the townland of Ardnurcher.61 It has been pulled down, however, and uprooted. St. Bridgid's Well is here, also, and it is occasionally frequented.62 At Drumbride,63 parish of Drumcondra,6* and barony of Lower Slane, in the deanery of Kells, county of Meath, an abbey and a church are said to have been erected by St. Brigid. On a lofty hill, portion of an old church yet remains. It is situated about two miles north of Drumcondra. The cemetery is yet a favourite place of interment, for people in the neighbourhood.65 A moat is beside it. In the parish of Kilbride,66 barony of Dunboyne and deanery of Kells, in the county of Meath, there was an old church, which was pulled down, but the cemetery remains.6? Near it is St. Bridgid's Well. The parish is under her patronage. In it are several fragments of way-side crosses. The beautiful Lough Sheelin lies near it, and various islands there certify to the existence of ancient religious foundations.68 At Kilbride,6^ a parish situated in the barony of Kilcoursey, King's County, a church and convent are said to have been founded by St. Brigid. The people have a tradition, that this was the first church erected by her, after she became a professed religious, on the hill of Usney. Some remains of a chapel and of a con ventual establishment are to be seen ; and, fragments of the church, which remain in the contiguous cemetery, measure fifty-two feet in length, by twenty-four in width.?0 The parish of Oldcastle,?1 in the barony of Demifore,

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57. Dundalk Tradition on St Brigid's Lifespan Relative to St Patrick

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 432

    People about Dundalk maintain a local tradition that St Brigid was alive in the year 432, when St Patrick first preached in Ireland, and that she survived him by thirty years.

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    In his Fourth106 and Sixth10? Lives, it is related, that St. Brigid wove a shroud to cover the remains of St. Patrick, after his death. Dr. Lanigan calculates, that the Irish Apostle did not live nearly so late as A.D. 493, Io3 when St. Brigid's reputation was spread far and wide.10' At the time of his decease, the holy virgin is thought to have been a mere child. Besides the earlier writers of St. Patrick's Acts have no mention of St. Brigid having woven the shroud. With special minuteness, Fiach's hymn, the Scholiast, Probus, the Tripartite, and the third Life give an account of the last days of St. Patrick, his death and obsequies. They specify the name of that bishop who attended him, although otherwise he was scarcely known. Strange, indeed, would be their omitting to mention so celebrated a saint as Brigid had she attended with the shroud at his exit. If those circumstances, reported by later writers concerning her transactions with St. Patrick, had really occurred, it is impossible they could have been overlooked by those authors, who lived nearer to their occurrence. Perhaps Brigid wove a pall or some sepulchral ornament to be spread over his grave, and hence might have arisen the idea, that she had done so during his lifetime.110 Such a circum stance might easily give origin to the rumour of her having assisted at St. Patrick's obsequies. People about Dundalk, however, have a tradition, that

    103 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," chap, iii., p. 31.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 44

58. Leper hospital dedicated to St. Brigid at Lismore

    Lismore · townland · Waterford

    There was an hospital for lepers within the diocese and town of Lismore, dedicated to St. Brigid, indicating her role as patroness of afflicted persons.

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    Some ancient religious institutions were under her patronage. A hermitage was dedicated to St. Bride, by the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham. It was situated near Waterford. Again, at Carrickfergus, there was an hospital for lepers. The adjoining lands are yet called the Spiral Fields. The hospital was dedicated to St. Brigid. At the north side of Carrickfergus, a spring, called St. Bride's Well, marks the site of an hospital, also dedicated to St. Brigid. We find an hospital for lepers was dedicated to St. Erigid, in the town and parish of Dungarvan,-'^ barony of Decies without Drum, situated within the diocese of Lismore,2;6and county of Waterford. Besides, there was an hospital for lepers, within the diocese and town of Lismore,~J7 province of Munster, dedicated to St. Brigid.2-- She seems to have been the peculiar patroness of such afflicted persons.

    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

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59. New Catholic church at Crosshaven near old Temple Brigde and holy well

    Crosshaven · town · Cork

    About half a mile from old Temple Brigde, separated by a valley containing St. Brigid's Well, a new church overlooks the village of Crosshaven at the confluence of the Ownboy and Lee rivers, a spot celebrated in poetry by Callanan.

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    The new Catholic church near Carrigaline, county of Cork, has been dedicated to St. Brigid. About half a mile from old Temple Brigde,250 and separated from it by a valley, in which lies St. Brigid's Well, the new erection overlooks the village of Crosshaven.251 It is beautifully placed, at the con fluence of the rivers Ownboy and Lee — a spot of which Callanan, the poet sings,

    " Where calm Avon Buee seeks the kisses of Ocean." "S2

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60. St. Bride's Church and Well in Dublin

    Bride Street · street · Dublin · 1180–1877

    St. Bride's Church, situated in Bride-street, was originally a dependency of Christ Church and later St. Patrick's Cathedral, and a Bride's Well nearby, now covered by a pump, still existed in a courtway off Bride-street.

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    The following churches and places were dedicated to or named from St. Bride, or St. Bridget, in the present city and diocese of Dublin. St. Bride's Church,10 situated in Bride-street,11 was formerly a dependency on the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, and afterwards on St. Patrick's Cathedral, owing to a grant of Archbishop Comin. It also was called after our saint.12 Bride's-alley, running off Bride-street. Bride's-place, situated off Goldenlane. Bridewell-lane, off West Arran-street. This locality may have taken its name, from some Brideswell. or St. Brigid's well. A nunnery, dedicated to St. Bride, formerly stood in Channel-row. There was an hospital, dedi cated to St. Peter and to St. Brigid.13 It stood in Peter-street. There was a Bride's Well ; now covered by a pump, which is to be seen at present in a courtway off Bride-street. In the county of Dublin, at Killossery, other wise called Ashbourne-rath on Ashbourne-road, eight or nine miles from Dublin city, are the ruins of an ancient ivied church, which was dedicated to St. Brigid.1'* It is a curacy in the deanery of Swords.15 It was called Kilteri or Killostre in ancient documents.16

    The old ruins of Killester, anciently called KyllastraJ7 or Quillestra, are enclosed by walls, and on the road-side.lS Several portions of the former

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    As the companion tells it

    Along here on this street stood St. Bride's Church, dedicated to St. Brigid. It began as a dependency of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, and later became a dependency of St. Patrick's Cathedral through a grant of Archbishop Comin. There was also a Bride's Well, now covered by a pump, still to be seen in a courtway off Bride Street. Several other Dublin places took their name from the saint. Bride's Alley ran off Bride Street, Bride's Place sat off Golden Lane, and Bridewell Lane ran off West Arran Street. A nunnery dedicated to St. Bride once stood in Channel Row, and a hospital dedicated to St. Peter and St. Brigid stood in Peter Street.