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St. Brigit, Whose Spirit Inspires others to be St. Brigit's Hearth Keepers
St. Brigit’s Hearth Keepers, within St. Brigit’s Community Catholic Church, includes all who may actively cultivate a nurturing and welcoming atmosphere in their homes, practice hospitality, and preserve family traditions.
St. Brigid, a prominent figure in Irish history and folklore, is strongly linked to the hearth and home. Individuals who identify with or are inspired by St. Brigit's spirit often take on the role of Hearth Keepers.
The hearth, in this context, represents not only a physical space for cooking and warmth but also a symbolic center of the home, where love, care, and connection are fostered.
Being a St. Brigit's Hearth Keeper clearly extends beyond the literal act of tending to a fire or cooking meals. It can and should encompass creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, fostering strong family bonds, and preserving cultural heritage.
At St. Brigit’s Community Catholic Church we use the term “Hearth Keepers” in reference to all members of the congregation and, especially, to lay ministers in the church who carry out many roles such as;
There are prayers and devotions dedicated to St. Brigit, often invoking her as the "Keeper of the Hearth" and seeking her guidance in creating a welcoming and nurturing home. For example:
The Hearth Keepers Prayer
Brigit of the Mantle, encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs, protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.
Beneath your mantle, gather us,
And restore us to memory.
Mothers of our mother, Foremothers strong.
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how to kindle the hearth.
To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.
Your hands upon ours,
Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light, Both day and night.
The Mantle of Brigit about us,
The Memory of Brigit within us,
The Protection of Brigit keeping us
From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.
This day and night,
From dawn till dark, From dark till dawn.
St. Brigit's Cross, Which the Irish believe will protect the home from evil spirits, fire, and hunger.
February 1 is the feast day of St. Brigit of Ireland, who remains an influential saint since the fifth century. It is said that she had a close relationship with St. Patrick and helped him build up a firm foundation for the Christian Church in Ireland. Her name may be spelled Brigid or Brigit depending on one's place of origin in Ireland, however the St. Bridget spelling refers to a Swedish saint.
One story from her life eventually led to the popular Irish custom of the St. Brigit cross. It is said that St. Brigit was called to the deathbed of an old pagan chieftain. He was suffering greatly and those around him believed Brigit could bring him peace. She arrived at his bedside and tried to console him with her words. While he was still restless, Brigit picked up a few rushes that were spread on the floor and began to weave a cross.
The chieftain was interested in the cross and began to ask her questions about it. Brigit explained to him the life of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. This greatly consoled him and brought peace to his soul. He subsequently converted to the Christian faith and was baptized before he died.
Ever since, Christians in Ireland have made crosses out of straw, rushes or the palms from the previous years Lenten celebrations and placed the cross on their doorways after getting them blessed by the parish priest. The Irish believe that the cross will protect the home from evil spirits, fire, and hunger.
Here is a priesthood Blessing on a cross taken directly from the Roman Ritual (The Latin/Roman missal of rites, liturgies,sacraments and blessings aside from the Roman Missal.)
Lord Jesus Christ, bless + this cross by which you snatched the world from Satan’s grasp, and on which you overcame by your suffering the tempter to sin, who rejoiced in the first man’s fall in eating of the forbidden tree. May this cross be hallowed in the name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy + Spirit; and may all who kneel and pray before this cross in honor of our Lord find health in body and soul; through Christ our Lord.
A prayer to St. Brigit for healing often seeks her intercession for physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being, asking for strength, peace, and restoration. Here are some examples;
Prayer to St. Brigit that asks for her protection
O Glorious St. Brigit, Mother of the Churches of Erin, patroness of our missionary race, wherever their lot may be cast, be thou 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 thus we may emulate the ancient piety of Ireland’s children, and the Church of Erin may shine with peerless glory as of old. Thou wert styled by our fathers “The Mary of Erin,” secure for us by thy 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 Thee and the countless Saints of Ireland, in the ranks of her triumphant children in Paradise. Amen.
Here are some shorter invocations for healing:
Oh Brigit, Mary of the Gael, may your protection never fail. Spread your mantle over me. Heal all within that may be ill, give me the desire each day to do God's will.
Brigit of the flame that burns away all ill... I pray to you for the healing of ______________, may his/her pain be eased, may his/her spirit be strong, may s/he grow hale and whole and in all ways sound.
Brigit, 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. ... wholeness in mind, body, and spirit.
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