“Anois
teacht an Earraigh, beidh an lá ag dul chun síneadh. Is tar éis na
féile Bríde, árdóigh mé mo sheol.” (Antoine Ó Raifteirí).
Now that Spring is coming, the days will be getting longer. And after
St Brigid's Day, I'll raise up my sail.”
The
beginning of February is traditionally associated with the heralding
of spring and the arrival of fertility to the land. The land dormant
during the winter months begins to stir and new life embarks on its
journey towards the light. Precious seeds, deep within the soil are
germinating, awaiting the breath of spring to accompany them to the
earth’s surface.
These are days when we are invited into our own spring space – a space where new life is stirring, awakening and becoming, a space full of potential and possibility. These are days of rebirth and re-growth, of renewal and resurrection. Then with their first appearance they adorn the earth with their beautiful presence and remind us of resurrection.
The 1st of February marks the feast of St. Brigid, patroness of Ireland, and we celebrate this great woman of prayer and her great devotion to God and neighbour. She founded a monastery in Kildare and convents throughout the country. She dedicated her life to God and to the poor. Her extraordinary spirituality, charity and compassion for those distressed were legendary. She became known for her good works and many young women were inspired to follow her. There is also a lovely tradition of gathering bunches of rushes to make St. Brigid's crosses for protection throughout the year.
These are days when we are invited into our own spring space – a space where new life is stirring, awakening and becoming, a space full of potential and possibility. These are days of rebirth and re-growth, of renewal and resurrection. Then with their first appearance they adorn the earth with their beautiful presence and remind us of resurrection.
The 1st of February marks the feast of St. Brigid, patroness of Ireland, and we celebrate this great woman of prayer and her great devotion to God and neighbour. She founded a monastery in Kildare and convents throughout the country. She dedicated her life to God and to the poor. Her extraordinary spirituality, charity and compassion for those distressed were legendary. She became known for her good works and many young women were inspired to follow her. There is also a lovely tradition of gathering bunches of rushes to make St. Brigid's crosses for protection throughout the year.
One
can explore the legacy and heritage of St. Brigid of Kildare by
visiting the beautiful Solas Bride and Hermitage Centre, in Kildare
Town.
The following day is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, a day dedicated to Consecrated Life. We celebrate the many priests, brothers and sisters whose faith, devotion and commitment influenced many of our lives. We remember the young men and women who continue to discern a call to priesthood or religious life. We continue to pray for them all and thank God for their lives of quiet dedication.
The following day is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, a day dedicated to Consecrated Life. We celebrate the many priests, brothers and sisters whose faith, devotion and commitment influenced many of our lives. We remember the young men and women who continue to discern a call to priesthood or religious life. We continue to pray for them all and thank God for their lives of quiet dedication.
We
also celebrate the feast of St. Blaise
on the 3rd of February, whose life was very simple and ordinary. He
is known worldwide for his care of those who were sick and
particularly those with ailments of the throat. Many churches will
give a blessing on the day. If you can't make it to a church,
then our own quiet prayer to St. Blaise will be just as effective and
important.
At the beginning of spring, maybe now is the time to go deeper in your discernment journey...
I'm always available at vocation@presentationbrothers.org if you'd like more information.
At the beginning of spring, maybe now is the time to go deeper in your discernment journey...
I'm always available at vocation@presentationbrothers.org if you'd like more information.
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