Diocesan News
Bishops of Kildare welcome new Bank Holiday to take place around St Brigid’s Day
The following statement has been issued by Bishop Denis Nulty, Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, and the Most Revd Pat Storey, Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare:
The news that the Government has announced an extra Bank Holiday to take place around St Brigid’s Day is to be welcomed.
Brigid means many things to many people. Symbol and story feature strongly in her life. She was born around 454 and died about 524. For people of faith, she represents that transition from paganism to Christianity in Celtic Ireland. In 480 she founded her monastery in Kildare, the church of the oak tree. Every school child knows the song of Brigid and how her cloak covered the area we know today as the Curragh, St Brigid’s Field. Brigid is linked with the earth, with agriculture, particularly ploughing, sowing, milking, butter–making and of course, vibrant Christian faith. She was extravagant in her hospitality.
It is very appropriate that a new public holiday honours St. Brigid. As the secondary saint in Ireland to Patrick, for too long she has being lost in his shadow. We welcome warmly the news that she is being rightly, and long after time acknowledged.
Diocesan Communications Officer, Meath & Kildare
089 426 4652
The Revd Earl Storey
press@topstorey.org