World Day against Trafficking in Persons
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Each year, July 30 is set aside as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. We know that human trafficking and slavery occur in every country around the world and as Pope Francis reminds us “is a crime against humanity“. Solas Bhride is committed to working in collaboration with others to bring an end to this abuse of human rights. We are involved in a number of different networks such as UNANIMA International, RENATE in Europe, ANZRATH in New Zealand, ACRATH in Australia and TRAC in the UK. Aspects of the work of these networks include: raising awareness about human trafficking, advocating for the rights of trafficked people (particularly girls and women) supporting survivors of trafficking and various forms of modern day slavery and supporting young girls and women vulnerable to being forced to marry. As we mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July this year, let us consider ways in which we can each use our voice, our networks and our resources to help eliminate human trafficking today. Let us pray for those who are vulnerable to being trafficked because of poverty, family breakdown, displacement because of wars or violence, lack of education, employment or other opportunities for a life with dignity. May we continue to work to overcome these inequalities in the world so that all “May have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Launch of Book “St. Brigid of Kildare – Life, Legend and Cult”
Members of the Solas Bhride Team were invited to the launch of “St. Brigid of Kildare, Life, Legend and Cult” by Dr. Noel Kissane in the National Library of Ireland, Dublin on Thursday, July 20th. Dr. Noel, recently retired from the National Library of Ireland, where he held the positions of Education Officer and Keeper of Manuscripts for over thirty years, and he has devoted the past four years to the research and writing of his book. “This book reviews all the evidence – history, legend and folklore – and concludes that while she has many of the attributes of the goddess Brigid, she was certainly a real person. The book reviews her cult and veneration in Ireland and overseas, from her lifetime down to the present day….. Speaking at the launch Dr. Noel said “I hope the book is sufficiently detailed for most readers, but I trust I have heeded the sage advice tendered to writers the the late Maurice Craig, ‘Try not to tell everything’, and that reading it will be as interesting and rewarding for the reader as writing it was for the author.” “St. Brigid of Kildare, Life, Legend and Cult” is published by Four Courts Press – www.fourcourtspress.ie
July/August Bookings
July Thursday, July 6th: Louisiana Parish Group – Premier Travel Sunday, July 9th: Brigid’s Way Pilgrimage Tuesday, July 18th: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Litchfield, Arizona Wednesday, July 19th: USA Student Pilgrim Group Friday, July 20th: Mercy Sisters, Pilgrim Group Monday, July, 24th: Mt. St. Anne’s Retirement Group Tuesday,July 25th: Brigid’s Healing Journey to Ireland, Dermot O’Hara August Monday, 14th: A Celtic Pilgrimage with Monica Browne Saturday, 19th: Pilgrimage Afternoon (see events) Please note Solas Bhride Centre will be closed from Friday, August 25th to September 1st.
Solas Bhride Golf Classic, May 15th 2017
A Golf Classic in aid of Solas Bhride Centre will be held in the K Club (Smurfit Course), Straffan, Co. Kildare on Monday, May 15th. Since the official opening we have welcomed over 16,000 pilgrims/visitors to the Centre and the bookings are steadily growing for this year. The response from all who come, local, national and international is hugely positive. We are delighted that the Centre is benefiting the local area financially, culturally, educationally, and is also enhancing the commercial infrastructure of town and county. The building has been completed but we are still in need of financial support for the ongoing development and maintenance of the Centre and its grounds. We would welcome your support by entering a team. Simply email info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890. If you are a non golfer perhaps you would get your friends to enter a team, or you may wish to sponsor a tee box. For details on the Golf Classic click on the Poster link below Poster
April 10th: Kildare County CouncilApril 18th: Pilgrim GroupApril 19th: Travel & Learn Tours, Norwegian Pilgrim GroupApril 23rd: Birgitta Sisters, Hassleholm, SwedenAll the above bookings are private events or bookings made through group organiser.
Replanting The Oaks
Two oak saplings planted at the entrance to Solas Bhride were transplanted recently. The oak saplings were nurtured from acorns taken from the oak tree planted in Tullow in Co. Carolw by Bishop Daniel Delany in 1807 when establishing the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Brigid. (Brigidine). These oaks were planted by Rita Minehan csb and Brenda Kindregran of Cairde Bhride. The courtyard area was not a suitable location for the little oaks to flourish. Hopefully, they will be able to stretch their limbs in their new location on the grounds.In their places two beautiful Magnolia trees were planted. The trees were a gift from Cairde Bhride, to commemorate 25 years of the presence of the Brigidine Sisters in Kildare and the re-lighting of the Brigid Flame. The magnolias are blossoming in their new home.
Enjoying Feile Bride 2017
Luka Bloom and Cormac Breatnach performing at Feile Bride
Images from Feile Bride 2017
Participants enjoy the Presentation on the Traditions and Customs associated with St. Brigid Participants enjoying learning about the Traditions and Customs associated with St. Brigid and the celebration of St. Brigid’s Day.
25th Feile Bride a huge success
Eucharist at St. Brigid’s WellTwenty-five years of Féile Bríde festival came to a close with the celebration of Eucharist at St Brigid’s Garden Well. Celebrant Fr Adrian Carbery, paid special tribute to Brigidines, thanking them for their presence, hospitality and keeping the ‘flame of Brigid’ alive, not only in Kildare but far beyond.Among the pilgrims at the Well for Mass were family of Sister Alacoque Miller, a pioneering Brigidine to Australia.Féile Bríde began with the pilgrimage on the eve of Brigid’s day, as some 400 people gathered round the fire before setting out to walk the pilgrim route to St Brigid’s Garden Wells; praying, singing, chanting, led by Deirdre Ní Chinneide.Martine (Cairde Bhríde) wove the St Brigid’s cross as she turned to the four corners of the Earth – East, South, West and North – to include all humanity and all creation in the weaving. Lifted high, the cross and Brigid’s light led the pilgrims with lights and lanterns.
Feile Bride 2017 launched
Images from the official launch of Feile Bride 2017, which took place on Thursday, January 19th at Solas Bhride.
