St. Brigid was born during the mid-fifth century. She was the daughter of Dubhtach, a Leinster pagan chieftain, and a slave woman. It is believed that she was converted to Catholicism by St. Patrick, and after his death founded a monastery in Kildare. St. Brigid’s day, February 1, corresponds with Imbolc, the Celtic feast of renewal and purification.

Brigid is remembered for her great charity and kindness. She is second only to St. Patrick, among Ireland’s heritage of Saints. The most enduring image of St. Brigid, apart from the thousands of women bearing her name, is the St. Brigid’s Cross. In her endeavor to explain the Passion of Christ to a dying pagan, she wove a cross from the rushes strewn on the floor.   The St. Brigid’s Cross is believed to protect homes from want and evil.