10 Years ago Today
10 years ago today, Solas Bhríde Centre and Hermitages Officially Opened. “The the people who will use the centre in the future I am sure will find comfort and solace in these environs. May your hearts continue strong, may your lives be long and fruitful, may your most generous and courageous visions come to pass.” Fiona O’Loughlin (Lord Mayor Of Kildare 2015
LAUNCH OF FÉILE BHRÍDE 2025 – Imagining a future in the footsteps of Brigid.
LAUNCH OF FÉILE BHRÍDE 2025 Sr. Phil O’Shea, Solas Bhride, Siobhan Keogh KTCS, Mayor Kevin Duffy, Minister of State, Martin Heydon, Aine Mangan Into Kildare, Councillor Noel Heavy, Dean Isobel Jackson, St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Geraldine Moore, Solas Bhride, Sr. Rita Minehan, Solas Bhride, John Hayes, KTCS, Sr. Theresa Kilmurray, Brigidine Leadership Team [Sassy_Social_Share] Venue: Solas Bhríde Centre, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare JANUARY 31ST– FEBRUARY 8TH 2025 Imagining a future in the footsteps of Brigid. Many people gathered at Solas Bhríde for the launch of the 32nd Annual Féile Bhríde. While 2024 was a special year as we commemorated the 1500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid, Geraldine Moore of Solas Bhride said: “We are delighted to present a varied and interesting programme of events which continues to highlight the life and legacy of St. Brigid. Many national and international visitors are expected to visit Kildare Town during the Féile. A packed program will focus on the many attributes of St Brigid through dance, music, poetry, walks, talks, crafts, meditation, and discussion. There are also a number of online events for people who cannot attend in person. The full programme of events can be viewed on Féile Events Page Pause for Peace At the launch Rita Minehan spoke of the importance of the Pause for Peace initiative. “At 12 noon on February 1st, people will be invited to Pause for Peace for 1 minute. The global Pause for Peace Movement was launched in Kildare in 2023 to mark the new national holiday in honour of St. Brigid. The people of Kildare call on people worldwide to pause for 1 minutes silence for peace in the world at 12 noon local time on St. Brigid’s Day. The Pause for Peace is gaining widespread support both nationally and internationally. In 2024 the initiative to involve students as Peace Ambassadors was developed by Kildare Town Community School and we are pleased that students continue to be involved in 2025. Rita Minehan Phil O Shea Phil O’Shea said that the exciting growth and success of the Féile has its source in the energy and efforts of the community from which it sprang. She went on to say “We are delighted once again to network with Afri, the Education Centre, the Heritage Centre and Kildare Town Library in presenting an exciting Féile Bríde Programme for 2025.” She also thanked the Solas Bhríde team, Cairde BhrÍde and the Festival Committee for their creativity, hard work and commitment in the development of the Féile Programme, and for overseeing the events. The Féile Progamme of events is made possible by the sponsorship of Kildare County Council through their Festival Grant Scheme and the Brigidine Sisters Mission and Ministry Fund. In her conclusion MC Geraldine Moore said, “We hope you enjoy participating in some of the very exciting events of the Féile. Solas Bhríde will hold other events throughout 2025 as we celebrate 10 years at the centre on the Tully Road. You will find notice of these events on the Solas Bhríde website.” Geraldine Moore John Hayes, Amanda Rice Kildare Town Community School with Aine Mangan, Into Kildare Tom McCutcheon Kildare Town Heritage Centre Councillor Kevin Duffy, Mayor of County Kildare Sioban Keogh , Solas Bhride Board, Joe Murray Afri, Theresa McAuliffe Cairde Bhride, Terry Hennessy Cairde Bhride, Katie Martin CEO Afri, Sr. Phil O’Shea and Sr. Rita Minehan Solas Bhríde Mary Linehan Cairde Bhride, Annette McCormack Cairde Bhride, Sr. Phil O’Shea Solas Bhride, Dr. Kate Moore, Terry Hennessy Cairde Bhride, Katie Martin Afri, Sr. Rita Minehan Solas Bhride, Theresa McAuliffe Cairde Bhride Solas Bhride Team with Paula O’Brien, and Katie Lane, Spirit of Brigid, Kildare County Council Sr. Phil O’Shea, Solas Bhride, Aine Mangan Into Kildare, Sr. Rita Minehan Solas Bhride Brigidine Sisters, with Katie Martin, Joe Murray, Afri Time for refreshements. [Sassy_Social_Share] For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890. For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672 For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200 For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235 For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie
Solas Bhride is delighted with State recognition for the Weaving of a St Brigid’s Cross as part of Ireland’s Cultural Heritage
Solas Bhride is delighted with State recognition for the Weaving of a St Brigid’s Cross as part of Ireland’s Cultural Heritage Minister Martin Announces State Recognition of Irish Set Dancing, St. Brigid’s Cross Weaving, Gaelic Football and Ladies’ Gaelic Football, the Irish Amateur Dramatic Tradition Following recommendation from Ireland’s Expert Advisory Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage, these four cultural practices will join 38 other cultural practices already recognised on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. All the way from Kilkenny to weave a St. Brigid’s Cross Kevin O Kelly demonstrates cross weaving at Solas Bhride on St Brigid’s Day. At an event at Croke Park during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final between Donegal and Galway on 14th July, Minister Martin announced the recognition of the Weaving of a St. Brigid’s Cross to be included in the National Inventory. Geraldine Moore, having researched and sought recognition for St. Brigid’s Cross Weaving, represented Solas Bhride in Croke Park on the day, and presented a St. Brigid’s cross, woven by Margaret Walsh (Cairde Bhride), to Minister Martin. In her address, Minister Martin said, “Our living heritage is an integral part of our culture. I am pleased to announce state recognition of four further practices through Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Each of these practices is integral to the culture and identity of the communities who practice them, and to our society more broadly. As part of my department’s ongoing obligations under the UNESCO 2003 Convention, we aim to acknowledge, safeguard and promote Ireland’s cultural heritage. The practices recognised today continue to thrive through the dedicated communities who sustain and pass on their skills through the generations” Geraldine from Solas Bhride presents a St. Brigid’s Cross to Minister Catherine Martin Solas Bhride is delighted to have the weaving of a St. Brigid’s cross included as a symbol of intangible cultural heritage. “It is providential” said Geraldine Moore “that the recognition comes in the year when we commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid. Cross weaving practiced by young and old in Ireland and elsewhere invokes Irish myth, legend, folklore, spirituality and culture.” [Sassy_Social_Share] For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890. For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672 For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200 For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235 For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie
Central Bank of Ireland launches Saint Brigid Collector Coin
Central Bank of Ireland launches Saint Brigid collector coin to commemorate Ireland’s famous saint. Sr. Rita Minehan shows off the coin We celebrated a wonderful event at Solas Bhride on Wednesday 26th June. The Central Bank of Ireland chose Solas Bhride as the venue to launch a special collector coin in honour of St. Brigid. Members of Solas Bhride and Sharon Donnery The St. Brigid special edition coin Designed by Irish artist Mary Gregoriy, the coin features a young Brigid, her cape, and the St. Brigid’s Cross. The artist wanted to combine the myth with the woman throughout the design. Above her head is the guiding star of a St. Brigid’s Cross and on her sleeve, she wears an oak leaf – to symbolize Kildare and her monastery founded there. In launching the special edition limited coin Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Sharon Donnery said: “We are very proud, in the year that marks 1,500 years since her passing, to issue this €15 St. Brigid collector coin to recognise one of our best-known saints. “As we all know, tradition says that St. Brigid established a monastery in the town, ultimately giving Cill Dara its name, so it is only fitting we launch the coin commemorating her in this beautiful location in Kildare today. Sharon Donnery, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank and Sr. Rita Minehan Members of the Board of Directors and Sharon Donnery Central Bank “Many stories and myths surround St. Brigid, but much of what we are told highlights her core values – helping the poor, striving for peace and a more just world. “A strong woman, dedicated to serving the people and to protecting nature, her life, her work, her legacy not only remains relevant today, but remains an inspiration. “And as we honour St. Brigid, this commemorative coin also presents an opportunity to remember the role that she and Irish women have played in our history, our culture and society”. St. Brigid is only the third woman who has featured on a collector coin, and it is fitting that in the year of the 1500th anniversary of her death she should be so honoured. The coin, seen in the images may be purchased through the Central Bank on www.collectorcoins.ie Guests with Central Bank team and Solas Bhride team. Sr Theresa Kilmurrary (Brigidine Leadership Team Ireland/UK), Sr Mary Minehan, members of the board and Sharon Donnery central Bank. Sr. Rita welcoming the Central Bank and guests to Solas Bhride [Sassy_Social_Share] For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890. For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672 For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200 For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235 For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie
Pope Francis receives Sr. Rita’s book Rekindling the Flame
Pope Francis receives Sr. Rita’s book Rekindling the Flame Gerard Gallagher of AMRI presents a Féile Bríde programme and a copy of our very own Sr. Rita’s book Rekindling the Flame, to His Holiness, Pope Francis. Gerard also presented copies to the Ambassador to the Holy See, Frances Collins and to Sr. Pat Murray, a Leader UISG, Rome. [Sassy_Social_Share] [Sassy_Social_Share] For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890. For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672 For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200 For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235 For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie
St. Brigid’s Relic
St. Brigid’s Relic [Sassy_Social_Share] Tradition holds that three Irish knights took a bone fragment of St Brigid to Lumiar in Portugal in the 13th century. The relic is still venerated in the church of St. John the Baptist in Lumiar. The Brigidine Sisters, Tullow, Co. Carlow, procured a portion of the Lumiar relic in the 1930s. To mark the 1500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid, the Brigidine sisters presented the Tullow relic to St. Brigid’s Parish Church, Kildare Town on 28th January 2024. [Sassy_Social_Share] For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890. For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672 For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200 For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235 For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie
LAUNCH OF FÉILE BHRÍDE 2024 – BRIGID: A WOMAN, A LIFE, A LEGACY
LAUNCH OF FÉILE BHRÍDE 2024 [Sassy_Social_Share] Many people gathered at Solas Bhríde for the launch of the 31st Annual Féile Bhríde. 2024 is a special year as we commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid Geraldine Moore of Solas Bhride said: “We are delighted to present a varied and interesting programme of events which aim to highlight the life and legacy of St. Brigid. Many national and international visitors are expected to visit Kildare Town during the Féile. A packed program will focus on the many attributes of St Brigid through dance, music, poetry, walks, talks, crafts, meditation, and discussion. There are also a number of online events for people who cannot attend in person. The full programme of events can be viewed on the Féile Events Page Pause for Peace At the launch Rita Minehan spoke of the importance of the Pause for Peace initiative. “At 12 noon on February 1st, people will be invited to Pause for Peace for 1 minute. The global Pause for Peace Movement was launched in Kildare last year to mark the new national holiday in honour of St. Brigid. The people of Kildare call on people worldwide to pause for 1 minutes silence for peace in the world at 12 noon local time on St. Brigid’s Day. The Pause for Peace is gaining widespread support both nationally and internationally. A recent training day for Peace Ambassadors in Solas Bhríde for post-primary students from Co. Kildare is garnering much support and action for the Pause for Peace.” Rita Minehan Phil O Shea Phil O’Shea said that the exciting growth and success of the Féile has its source in the energy and efforts of the community from which it sprang. She went on to say “We are delighted once again to network with Afri, the Education Centre, the Heritage Centre and Kildare Town Library in presenting an exciting Féile Bríde Programme for 2024.” She also thanked the Solas Bhríde team, Cairde BhrÍde and the Festival Committee for their creativity, hard work and commitment in the development of the Féile Programme, and for overseeing the events. The Féile Progamme of events is made possible by the sponsorship of Kildare County Council through the Brigid 1500 Grant Scheme and the Brigidine Sisters Mission and Ministry Fund. In her conclusion MC Geraldine Moore said, “We hope you enjoy participating in some of the very exciting events of the Féile. Solas Bhríde will hold other events throughout 2024 marking the 1500th anniversary of St. Brigid. You will find notice of these events on the Solas Bhríde website.” [Sassy_Social_Share] For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890. For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672 For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200 For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235 For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie
Solas Bhride receives Special Award
Solas Bhride receives Special Award [Sassy_Social_Share] Solas Bhride was honoured to receive a special award from County Kildare Chamber on Friday, November 17th at the Kildare Business Awards 2023. The award was presented to Solas Bhríde Community for their contribution in keeping alive the legacy of St. Brigid of Kildare. David Mongey, Chairperson of Into Kildare (Kildare Tourism Board) presented the award. “This award is timely as we are on the cusp of marking the 1500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid. I want to acknowledge Solas Bhríde’s contribution in promoting and sharing the legacy of St.Brigid to pilgrims and visitors from all over the world for the past 30 years.” Sr. Rita thanked the County Kildare Chamber for honouring Solas Bhríde with the award. The Solas Bhride team and Board members had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Awards event. Geraldine Moore and Rita with Into Kildare Alan Shine CEO County Kildare Chamber with Rita Michael and Treasa Board Members Michael Joyce, Rita Minehan, David Mongey-Mongey-Communications, Jim and Marguerite Kavanagh Geraldine Moore, Phil OShea, Rita Minehan
Summer Greetings from Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre
“Light, Light, the visible reminder of invisible Light” – T.S. Elliott [Sassy_Social_Share] Summer Greetings from Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre We have been truly blessed over the last few weeks by beautiful sunshine. We have also been blessed by the many pilgrim groups and visitors who have ‘dropped in’ to visit and spend some time at the Centre. Many have come to Kildare for the first time but for some, Solas Bhríde is a regular stopping point as they travel to monastic sites around Ireland. We have also noticed an increase in the number of individual pilgrims, family and parish groups who come to Solas Bhríde – all are welcome. If you are in Kildare Town, do drop in…you may like to stroll in the garden, mindfully complete the meditative walk or spend some quiet time in the Brigid or Prayer Rooms. The summer programme is available to view on our website and includes a Celebration of Mid-summer Light – Solstice time, a Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Brigid and a National Heritage Week event ‘The Wisdom of Trees”. For futher details on these events and how to book see below. Plans are underway for an exciting programme of events for the Autumn and for the commemoration of Brigid 1500 in 2024. As details are finalised, they will be posted on the Solas Bhríde website. Warm blessings of love and peace to all. Solas Bhríde Team & Cairde Bhríde Pilgrimage Day – Walking in the Footsteps of St Brigid – Saturday 1st July On this pilgrim journey we invite you spend time in reflection, to visit sites associated with St Brigid with a long spiritual heritage, to slow the pace and to feed the spirit.Gather at Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre for 10.30am To book a place for this click here Pilgrimage – Retracing the Footsteps of St Brigid & St Conleth – Saturday 29th July Look out for news on a pilgrimage organised jointly by Kildare and Newbridge Parishes “Retracing the Footsteps of St Brigid & St Conleth”. The pilgrimage is in prepartion for the commemoration of Brigid 1500 in 2024 and will be led by Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. Solas Bhríde are delighted to be a part of the preparation of this pilgrimage which will take in parts of the Curragh (Brigid’s Pastures). Information will be available shortly through Kildare and Newbridge parishes and on here. National Heritage Week – ‘The Wisdom of Trees’ – Thursday 17th August Join us at Solas Bhríde where Paddy Gleeson will lead us on a tree and shrub discovery walk through the Centre grounds, not only informing us of their environmental significance but also sharing much of the ancient folklore and mythology assoicated with our native trees. This is a family friendly event with a tree naming activity for younger members. To book a place for this click here Brigid 1500 at Solas Bhríde Planning for this momentous year is underway and as events are finalised they will be posted on our website www.solasbhride.ie ‘Rekindling the Flame’ ‘Rekindling the Flame’ is a beautiful collection of story, poems and meditations – the perfect companion for your pilgrim journey in Kildare Town. The book is on sale now and is available to buy by clicking the link below. Purchase Rekindling the Flame here Booking is essential for all events.Further details on all the events can be viewed here.Please book through our website www.solasbhride.ie or if you require assistance please contact us by email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone: 045-522890 ‘If light is in your heart, you will find your way home’ – Rumi Join our Mailing List Make a Donation Help support the work of Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre. CHY. NO. 18649
Conference: Brigid: Woman of Mystery, Woman of Inspiration
Conference: Brigid: Woman of Mystery, Woman of Inspiration Highlights from the Conference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2HdFl34L_4 [Sassy_Social_Share] Dr Niamh Wycherley and participants [Sassy_Social_Share] It was a full house at Solas Bhríde on Saturday 22nd April for a conference marking 30 years of the Brigidine Sisters in Kildare town. Approximately 100 attendees gathered to hear two wonderful and inspiring speakers, Dr Niamh Wycherley and Dr Niamh Brennan, address the legacy and relevance of Brigid today from two very different perspectives. A warm welcome was provided by the Solas Bhríde Team and Cairde Bhríde members. The morning began on a lovely note with music from a local group of traditional Irish musicians led by Treasa Harkin. Marking the opening, closing and other points during the day were a series of beautiful rituals with music, chant and spoken word. Crafted by Margaret, Mary, and Brenda from Cairde Bhríde, these were designed to bring us into mindfulness through our five senses and back to our own intention for the day. Lunch was an opportunity to mix and mingle with friends old and new. In the afternoon, as part of her presentation, Dr Niamh Brennan invited us to walk in the Solas Bhríde gardens and connect with nature. We emerged refreshed, renewed, and looking forward to another gathering in Kildare. ‘Boss Brigid: the lasting legacy of the founder of Kildare’,Is Brigid for real? Most certainly according to Dr Niamh Wycherley! A medieval scholar with a deep interest in Brigid of Kildare, her lecture, ‘Boss Brigid: the lasting legacy of the founder of Kildare’, firmly established her in the reality of medieval Christian Ireland as a living, breathing individual. According to Niamh, while the ancient goddess and miracle-working saint are both worthy subjects for our attention, with virtues like inclusivity, strength, hospitality and healing, the real ‘flesh and blood’ woman behind it all is actually much more extraordinary. She revealed how in a patriarchal society and religious culture that kept women very much in a secondary and subservient role, only a strong, visionary and influential individual could have succeeded. Tradition tells us that Brigid invited Conleth a hermit of Old Connell (Newbridge) to take charge of the male side of the monastery. However, there was never any doubt about who was in charge. Brigid of Kildare led a vibrant community and created a legacy that has lasted to this day. Dr Niamh Wycherley works in Maynooth University Department of Early Irish as a medieval historian, specialising in the early Irish Church. She won the NUI Publication Prize in History in 2017 for her book, “The Cult of Relics in Early Medieval Ireland”. She contributes regularly to RTÉ Brainstorm and television programmes such as the RTÉ 1 documentary ‘Finding Brigid’, with Siobhán McSweeney. ‘The Wild and the Sacred: Listening to the Voices of Earth’,Our morning with the real Brigid of Kildare brought into sharp detail a particular time in medieval life and politics. By contrast, our afternoon with Dr Niamh Brennan led us into the infinite world of the cosmos to explore, in Thomas Berry’s words, “the deep wonder that we are”. Niamh’s presentation explored our sense of detachment from that source of wonder and how Nature can provide the map that leads us home to ourselves. Using images of the Voices of Earth, accessed through our five senses, Niamh focused on reconnecting us with that source of wonder. She asked us how we respond to the sound of the lark or the sea waves crashing, the night sky or birds in flight. Niamh explained how we are in no way separate from Nature and the Cosmos. We all emerged from the same source, Science’s “Big Bang” or the “Flaring Forth” as she prefers to describe it. As such, we are part of the Wild and Sacred, not separate. Dr. Niamh Brennan During Niamh’s presentation we were invited to walk in the gardens and ask ourselves what voice of Earth resonated with each of us personally. If we silence the Voices of Earth, then we silence ourselves… Niamh Brennan Ph.D. is a writer and lecturer in cosmology, ecology and spirituality. She is author of The Human in the Universe (Wyndham Hall Press 2014) and co-author with Greg Morter of The Universe Story in Science and Myth (Green Spirit 2016). She has contributed to several journals including Religions; Worldviews: Global Religions, Ecology and Culture; Spirituality; and The Furrow. At the conclusion of the conference centre co-ordinator Sr. Phil O Shea invited attendees to take a handout showing the summer events, these will also be available to view on the Solas Bhride website. Phil in thanking the Brigidine Sisters and Brigid 1500 for sponsorship toward the conference said later in the year we would be publishing a full programme of events for 2024 celebrating St. Brigid, A Woman, A Life, A Legacy and that a conference would be part of this programme.
