Our Patron Saint - Saint Brigid
Saint Brigid lived in Ireland in the 5th century; a holy woman, granted by the grace of God, great gifts of spiritual leadership, devotion in prayer, patience and compassion. Brigid is probably the best-known Irish saint since Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. She was born in County Kildare around the year 457. It is widely believed that her parents belonged to noble families, and it is generally accepted that her father, Dubtach, was a Christian.
Refusing many offers of marriage, Brigid became a nun and received the veil from Saint Macaille, the abbot and bishop of Longford. With seven more women she founded the Convent of Cill-Dara, the Church of the Oak. Saint Brigid's small convent quickly became known as a great center of religion and learning. Today a major city, Kildare, stands on that same location. Saint Brigid also founded several monastic institutions and schools, which explains why she has always been regarded as a "patroness of students".
The best-known story about Brigid is of her visit to a dying pagan chieftain, who after days of semi-consciousness, awoke to find St. Brigid's Christian Cross on his chest and St Brigid praying beside him. Thankful to God's graces for saving him, soon afterward he converted and was baptized by St. Brigid, along with his entire village.