CELEBRATING A NEW SPRING

Co. Kildare forms part of Ireland's central plain and is generally very level. To the East, Kildare is bordered by the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the other uplands are the Red Hills and The Hill of Allen. The river Liffey enters Kildare near Ballymore Eustace and meanders in a great arc through the Central and North Eastern districts passing Kilcullen, Celbridge and Leixlip. Tracts in the West and North West are occupied by The Bog of Allen and in the centre is the beautiful open plain of the Curragh, known in the time of Brigid as Brigid's Pasture.

Fionn's fort was on The Hill of Allen.  From there, Oisín left with Niamh for Tír na nÓg. On his return to Ireland, Oisín's strength deserted him, an indication there was no longer a need for a warrior Fianna.  Patrick had brought a new Spring, a new story, a new way of life, a new light and fire to the people of Ireland.

About five miles northwest of Kildare, at Umeras, Brigid was born. Brigid heard this new story from her mother Broicseach, the comforting story of a loving Father. At her monasery here on this site (St. Brigid's Cathedral) Brigid lived this story. The lessons she had learned from her mother she passed on to comfort those around her.

Brigid brought a new story to the people at the well and the travellers at the crossroads. Here on this ancient site (again, St. Brigid's Cathedral), Brigid welcomed the poor, fed the hungry, facilitated the artist, and encouraged the scholar. Many of the stained glass windows over the chapter room (of the cathedral) depict the energies and messages of Brigid. One of the three windows over the chapter room shows Brigid in her role as shepherd of her flock. Like a good shepherd, she was always vigilant and caring for all those who came her way. She must have enjoyed the sight of the lambs in the early spring playing on her pastures.

There was a Springtime about all of her work. The motion of her horse and chariot as she drove the country, the spring in her step, the quiet rhythm of her hands as she wove the rushes into a cross, bringing hope and light to the sick and downtrodden. Harps that were silent were given new life by Brigid.

Rita Minehan, in her book Rekindling the Flame, tells us of Brigid's fame as a peacemaker. As Abbess of Kildare, she was known as a woman who turns back the streams of war.

Brigid is our prophetess of Christ. Brigid is the source of our creative future. She is our New Spring.

(The text above was taken from the Féile Bríde 2000 at St. Brigid's Cathedral, January 28th, 2000 program. The evening's concert was performed and presented by the Herbert Lodge Arts Centre. The author of the text is unknown.)