As I drove into Kildare last week, I knew I was on the right road. Banners of Féile Brigid hung on the main street while crosses could be seen in shops and homes. Spring was nearly here and the community of Kildare was certainly welcoming it with open arms.

There is a bit of debate about where St Brigid originated from. While the town of Faughart in Co Louth will argue that this is where she spread her words of wisdom, the people of Kildare also lay claim over her, as she set up a double monastery here in the fifth century.

“I believe the more places that people believe Brigid was born, the better,” says Sister (Sr) Mary Minehan, one of the Brigidine Sisters living in Kildare. “After all, it can make people feel closer to the saint and, at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.”

This Sister has devoted her life to spreading the word and messages of Brigid. Although this gentle lady is originally from Nenagh in Tipperary, she, in an act that reminds us of Maria in the Sound of Music, looked over the walls of the girl’s boarding school in Mountrath, which was run by the Brigidine Sisters, and decided this was a place she would like to be. When she decided to devote her life to her faith, it was a natural progression that she would spread the word of Brigid, and it’s a message she thinks is certainly worth promoting.

“Brigid was a woman of the land, and so her feast day, 1 February, is all about new beginnings, new life, the turning of the sod and the planting of new seeds. No wonder so many farming people feel a strong connection to Brigid, Murieann na nÉire, the Mary of Ireland.

She was also a great peacemaker and an advocate to the poor. Legend has it that Brigid gave away her father’s precious sword to a local man so he could feed his family. She turned a weapon of war into a life-giving instrument.

However, it is Brigid, the woman of legendary hospitality, that the Brigidine sisters promote every day in their centre in Kildare.

“Brigid never turned away the sick or those in need of healing. In primary school books, children read: ‘All were welcome at Brigid’s door, no one was turned away. She loved the poor, the sick and the sore, she helped them on their way.’ This same message is reflected in our centre where people come to reflect on Brigid’s message, to meditate or to pray.

“Thousands of people have passed through our door over the years, not just from Ireland but across the world. The message and word of Brigid has spread through word of mouth.”

In fact, such is the popularity of the centre which is in the Brigidine Sister’s house, that a new development is currently being built by the Japanese Gardens. This new state-of-the-art centre will be built in the shape of a St Brigid’s Cross, and will be a place that even more people can visit. It will have a chapel, meditation rooms, meeting areas and even a little heritage centre for those who need some time alone to reflect. Sister Mary says: “It will be a lovely uplifting building.”

St Brigid’s Day

However, this weekend over 500 people are expected to visit Kildare to celebrate the feast of the patron saint, starting with the annual Brigid’s Eve ritual at St Brigid’s Well.

“Our candlelight pilgrimage will be one of quiet reflection, song and prayer on the eve of springtime.”

However, this is just the start of the weekend’s activity. People can learn how to weave the St Brigid’s Cross on both Friday and Saturday in the Kildare town heritage centre and in the library. A new sculpture of St Brigid, which has been donated by an American priest, will be unveiled for the new centre. Add in a craft exhibition and an evening of music, and Kildare will certainly be a bustling town this weekend.

If you’re not able to make it to Kildare though, Sr Mary says you can celebrate in your own quiet way.

“One of my earliest memories of St Brigid was when I was a young girl and my grandmother used to lay a piece of cloth outside on the eve of the feast. She told me this cloth, called Brat Bríde, had curative powers and would be blessed by Brigid the healer. On one occasion, I remember it helped heal an ulcer on her leg. It’s a nice tradition that people continue to do and keeps the spirit of Brigid alive.”