Saint Brigid also known as Mary of the Gael, is the Celtic Saint of well-being. She wove the original symbolic cross from rushes from the River Shannon. An Irish tradition is to hang her Cross, known as the St. Brigid Cross over doors on her feast day of February 1st to invite good health for the coming year as well as protect your home from Evil and Want. That is why a Saint Brigid’s Cross makes a perfect new home gift. Saint Brigid built the first Irish convent beside a huge oak tree, known as Cill Dara (Church of the Oak Tree), now known as Kildare.

Blessing of St. Brigid’s Crosses

Father of all creation and Lord of Light, you have given us life and entrusted your creation to us to use it and to care for it.

We ask you to bless these crosses made of green rushes in memory of holy Brigid, who used the cross to recall and to teach your Son’s life, death and resurrection.

May these crosses be a sign of our sharing in the Paschal Mystery of your Son and a sign of your protection of our lives, our land, and its creatures through Brigid’s intercession during the coming year and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

The crosses are sprinkled with holy water:

May the blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be on these crosses and on the places where they hang and on everyone who looks at them. Amen.

St. Brigid’s Blessing

May Brigid bless the house wherein we dwell.

Bless every fireside, every wall and door.

Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.

Bless every hand that toils to bring its joy.

Bless every foot that walks portals through.

May Brigid bless the house that shelters us.

Prayer to Saint Brigid

You were a woman of peace.
You brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness.
You brought hope to the downcast.
May the mantle of your peace
cover those who are troubled and anxious,
and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.
Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.
Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.
Strengthen what is weak within us.
Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.
May we grow each day into greater
wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
Amen

Saint Brigid Brilliant Star

St. Bridget, a brilliant star of sanctity in the early days of our Irish faith and love for the omnipotent God. You have never forsaken us; we look up to you now in earnest, hopeful prayer. By your glorious sacrifice of earthly riches, joys and affections, obtain for us the grace to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His justice,” with constant trust in His fatherly care. By your life of laborious charity to the poor, the sick, and the many seekers for light and comfort, obtain for us the grace to be God’s helpers to the utmost of our power during our stay on earth, looking forward, as you did, to our life with Him during eternity. By the sanctified peace of your deathbed, obtain for us the fullness of pardon and peace when the hour comes and we will be summoned to the judgment seat of our just and most merciful Lord.

Amen.

Saint Brigid Our Guide and Shield

O Glorious St. Bridget, Mother of the Churches of Erin, patroness of our missionary race, wherever their lot may be cast, be our guide in the paths of virtue, protect us amid temptation, shield us from danger. Preserve to us the heritage of chastity and temperance; keep ever brightly burning on the altar of our hearts the sacred Fire of Faith, Charity, and Hope, that we may emulate the ancient piety of Ireland’s children, and the Church of Erin may shine with peerless glory as of old. You were styled by our fathers ” The Mary of Erin,” secure for us, by your prayers, the all-powerful protection of the Blessed Virgin, that we may be numbered here among her most fervent clients, and may hereafter merit a place together with you and the countless Saints of Ireland, in the ranks of her triumphant children in Paradise.

Amen.

Saint Brigid Our Joy

O God, you give us joy, through the power of the intercession of Blessed Brigid. Graciously grant that we may be assisted by her merits and her example. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

What is a St Bridget’s Cross?

This beautiful cross known as a St. Brigid’s Cross is a wonderful tribute to Ireland’s beloved saint. Saint Brigid of Kildare or Brigid of Ireland is one of Ireland’s patron saints, along with Saint Patrick. Saint Brigid was born Brigit, and shares a name with a Celtic goddess from whom many legends and folk customs are associated.

How to make a Saint Brigid’s Cross …

Making a Saint Bridget’s Cross is a custom in Ireland. The St Bridget’s Cross is made out of plants called rushes (Juncus effusus) for hanging above the entrances to dwellings to invoke the help of St Bridget in warding off disease. St Bridget’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of February each year and the crosses are made at that time. Rushes were traditionally used to make the St Bridget’s Cross. These were collected from wetlands and cut into pieces, 8-12 inches long. Rushes can be hard to get for city dwellers so ordinary paper environmentally friendly drinking straws and rubber are good substitutes to make with children. 

 

Why is Saint Brigid a saint?

Brigid died around 525 CE. As a result of the numerous healing miracles that occurred during her lifetime, many people came to see her after she passed away as a holy figure and pray to her in the hope that she may intercede with God on their behalf.

 

Who are the three saints that Ireland honors as its patrons?

There are three saints who are recognized as the country's patrons. Saints Patrick, Saint Brigid, and Columba are the names of these three holy people, also known as Saint Colmcille. On the other hand, Saint Patrick is often regarded as the most important patron saint of Ireland.