St. Brigid

O God, whose servant Brigid, kindled with the flame of your love, became a shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Today we remember St. Brigid, the patron saint of Ireland, whose flame is still guarded by the sisters of St. Brigid in the little town of Kildare, Ireland.

On a pilgrimage to Ireland in 1997, I spent a day with the sisters learning about their ministry in the community and praying silently and aloud for all that pilgrims do on their journeys in the world. It was a beautiful experience, one which I would love to do again and share with others.

This week as social media celebrated St. Brigid, someone posted a picture of her well, and it brought back wonderful memories of dancing with my fellow pilgrims around the well, just a the Celtic pilgrims would have done.

I leave with you my favorite greeting which I learned from the Irish:

Céad míle fáilte (pronounced Kade meela faulta)

which means a hundred thousand welcomes.