St. Brigid’s Wells Kildare – Treasures of our Celtic and Christian heritage 2021
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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)
Feile Bride 2017 launched
Images from the official launch of Feile Bride 2017, which took place on Thursday, January 19th at Solas Bhride.
First Event held in New Centre
A beautiful bronze sculpture of St. Brigid, donated to Solas Bhride Centre was to be unveiled on St. Brigid’s Day, 2014. Manley Construction Ltd worked tirelessly to have the space ready for the unveiling. However, stormy weather conditions hindered progress. The stormy weather also prevented the arrival of the sculpture because by St. Brigid’s Day, “St. Brigid” was still on the high seas! However, a special ceremony was held within the incomplete building, to mark this very generous donation by Fr. Dennis O’Neill of St. Martha’s Parish, Morton Grove, Illinois. Fr. Dennis, together with members of his family and friends, had travelled from the States to be present on the day. They were joined by many Brigidine Sisters, members of the local community, and architect Brian O’Brien of Solearth architecture. Ann Riordan, MC for the day, reminded all how a year previously, at the Turning of the Sod Ceremony, she had laid down the challenge to Manley Construction to have the site ready for St. Brigid’s Day in 2014. She thanked them for work completed to date and extended the appreciation of all in being able to use the building on the day. Sr. Rita welcomed each one, while Mary Minehan and Phil O’Shea wove a St. Brigid’s cross giving a brief history of the building as well as remembering the deceased members of the O’Neill Family. Fr. Dennis spoke of his love for St. Brigid and told the story of how he had commissioned Tim Smhalz to sculpt the bronze sculpture. He expressed his delight in finding a “most suitable home” for the sculpture. While the sculpture had not arrived he was delighted to view where it would be installed and saw how it will become an important focal point in the new centre. All present had the opportunity to walk around the building. Many remarked on the beauty of the design and the peaceful atmosphere already present there. Following the Ceremony tea and coffee was served for the first time at the Centre by Silken Thomas catering.
Kildare Town plans a Guinness World Record as it welcomes visitors from around the world 2013
Groups from Kildare Town came together last week at a momentum event in Teach Dara to support Solas Bhríde in planning a Guinness Book of Records event to set the world record for the most people making Brigid’s crosses together at the one time. The attempt is planned for the final day of a week- long celebration of St. Brigid that runs from Sunday 15th September to Saturday 21st September. The event will see large numbers of visitors to Kildare Town to celebrate the story of Brigid, ranging from visitors / pilgrims from around the world to other tourists from other parts of Ireland and overseas. In welcoming groups to the momentum event, Mary Keane of County Kildare LEADER Partnership explained that in addition to preparing for a very special Gathering event, the Partnership is actively supporting this project because of its practical application in developing an integrated tourism strategy for Kildare Town and surrounding communities for many future events and projects. Mary spoke of how “Brigid spread her cloak over the Curragh and empowered the local people all those centuries ago and through this event she will inspire another generation.” Sr. Rita Minehan of Solas Bhríde shared details of the upcoming event including the need for large numbers of volunteers in steward, witness and other support roles: “the Guinness Book of Records requirements are very significant and we will need support from across the community to make this happen” noted Sr. Rita. Peter Minnock, Director of Services with Kildare County Council together with Tony Jones, Fáilte Ireland, Derek Dolan, Kildare Fáilte and Tom McCutcheon, Kildare Heritage Centre were in attendance and each shared their support for the project and their expectation that it would be a tremendous Gathering flagship event for Kildare Town: “I know that if anyone can take on something as significant as this it is the Sisters” said Tony Jones addressing the group, “they have the charm and the foresight to make this happen”. The event was also attended by representatives from other groups involved in supporting the Guinness world record event and in organising other events that week which will include a number of music and dance events, walks, pilgrimages, craft demonstrations and craft workshops, each linking to the legacy of St. Brigid.
St. Brigid’s Way Pilgrimage – Pilgrims arrive in Kildare
It was an historic day in Kildare town when the pilgrims who had walked the 9 day Pilgrimage walk from Brigid’s well, Fauthart, Co. Louth to Kildare town, arrived at the Market Square, on Monday, July 15th. The route of this 9 day pilgrimage started at the annual Pattern Day at St. Brigid’s Shrine in Faughart on 7th July, 2013. It continued from Dundalk through to Tara and then followed along the Grand Canal to Maynooth and on to Kildare. 16 pilgrims walked the full pilgrimage with others joining them for a day or two on route. Many people joined them on the final day of their pilgrimage from Milltown into Kildare. On their arrival at the Market Square, Kildare Town, the pilgrims were given a “Cead Mile Failte”. Brigidine sister, Mary Minehan, welcomed them home to Brigid’s monastic city. “You have recreated and walked Brigid’s Way from Faughart to Kildare,” she said, “you have walked the walk and have arrived. We rejoice and are glad.” Following refreshments, courtesy of Kildare Heritage Centre, the pilgrims, were led in pilgrimage in the footsteps of Brigid of Kildare by Brigidine Sisters, Mary and Phil and members of Cairde Bhride. They first visited St. Brigid’s Cathedral and fire temple. Renowned singer Noirin Ni Riain led the reflection at the fire temple. On route to the well the pilgrims stopped at the construction site of the new Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages and gave it a special blessing before entering the Irish National Stud for some welcome refreshments. The 9 day pilgrimage concluded at St.Brigid’s well.
The Gathering
St. Brigid of Kildare Gathering A Gathering Festival in Honour of St. Brigid 15 to 21 September 2013 Come to Kildare Town, Ireland this September and take part in setting a Guinness Book of Records world record in weaving St. Brigid’s crosses You are invited to come to Kildare Town this September for the St. Brigid of Kildare Gathering Festival. There will be a special welcome “Céad Míle Fáilte” to those named Brigid and those who have variations of the name. We also welcome people from around the world who have an affinity with St. Brigid through parishes, associations, churches and place names, to visitors from Ireland and overseas with an interest in Brigid and her legacy. The festival is being organised by Solas Bhríde in collaboration with a number of other Kildare based groups and is part of the overall Government supported Gathering Festival 2013. In addition to a Guinness Book of Records challenge at which we hope to involve all visitors in setting the record for the most people to weave St. Brigid’s crosses, there will be a packed programme of music and dance events in addition to walks, pilgrimages, craft demonstrations and craft workshops, each linking to Brigid and her legacy. We are just 1.5 hours drive from Dublin airport and 2 hours from Shannon airport and a range of accommodation options are listed on each of www.intokildare.ie and www.discoverireland.ie. More information on what to do in Kildare Town is available from www.destinationkildaretown.ie and also http://www.kildare.ie/kildareheritage/. You are assured of a very warm welcome in Kildare Town this September and a truly memorable experience celebrating the life of St. Brigid. Please get in touch if you have any questions and we very much hope to see you in September. Events will include: Official Opening & Celebration of St. Brigid * Guinness Book of Records Challenge * Re-enactment of the Legend of the Cloak of St. Brigid Concert in St. Brigid’s Cathedral (€) Celtic Music Recital (€) Harvest Gathering at St. Brigid’s Well Literary Event Guided Tour of the Monastic City of Kildare Walking in the Footsteps of Brigid of Kildare/ Pilgrimage Guided Tour of the Curragh Plains / St. Brigid Pastures Weaving of Brigid’s Cross – Craft Workshop Craft Workshop: Weaving of Brigid’s Cross Craft Participation: Weaving of Wall Hanging Craft Exhibitions Trad Music / Entertainment in local pubs * Click here for the provisional programme of events Tickets for all events other than those marked * to be booked directly with event hosts Unless marked (€) events are free of charge Events marked * are open access, no tickets or charges apply All events subject to change, additional events to be added Event listings last updated: 1 May 2013, please check latest information in July for event bookings
Dalai Lama Visit
April 13th, 2011 Dalai Lama’s Historic Visit. The Dalai Lama was invited to Ireland in mid-April 2011 by three charities, Children in Crossfire of which he is patron, Spunout.ie and Afri. The visit to Kildare arose because of the close connection that exists between Afri and the Brigidine Sisters, who have been instrumental in having Kildare, the site of St.Brigid’s monastery, recognized as one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites. His Holiness visited Kildare Wednesday, April 13th. The Organisations wanted to give as many as possible, the opportunity to see and hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama and also wished the Dalai Lama to experience some of Ireland’s spiritual and cultural heritage during his brief visit He arrived in the Market Square in Kildare town where he was welcomed with music and song. Gifts were presented by the Brigidine Sisters and some local children. The Dalai Lama was presented with the Brigid Flame by Srs. Mary Minehan and Phil O’Shea, Solas Bhride Community, in recognition of his work for peace and his life long commitment to non-violence. The Dalai Lama experienced the beauty of St. Brigid’s Cathedral and spent some time in meditation with local religious leaders His Holiness then travelled by car to St. Brigid’s Church where he addressed those assembled on the theme of Compassion. Kildare bid farewell to the Dalai Lama and wished him well on his pilgrim journey with a Celtic blessing sung by harpist Fionnuala Gill. Fr. Tom O’Connor, St. Patrick’s Missionary Society reflects on his experience of meeting and praying with the Dalai Lama in St. Brigid’s Cathedral. “For me it was a moment I will treasure for the rest of my life. We waited with great expectation for nearly an hour as our distinguished visitor eventually made his way to this ancient place of worship. He looked resplendent in his saffron and maroon robes. Each of us was introduced to him by Sr. Eileen Deegan, CSB. I was a little nervous as I waited my turn. “It is a great privilege to meet you, Your Holiness. Welcome to Kildare.” He gently and lovingly took my hand and smiled. Then he bowed and said, “Thank you. I immediately had the sense of being in the presence of someone very special with a presence and energy that reached out in love, humility, respect and compassion. [nggallery id=1]
Press Release on Dalai Lama Visit 11th April 2011
Press Release 11th April 2011 “All roads lead to Kildare”. (Ancient Irish saying) His Holiness, the Dalai Lama will visit Kildare Town on Wednesday, April 13th. The Dalai Lama will arrive in the Market Square at 1.30pm. where he will be welcomed with music and song by pupils from local schools in the Kildare area. The Dalai Lama will be presented with the Brigid Flame by Srs. Mary Minehan and Phil O’Shea, Solas Bhride Community, in recognition of his work for peace and his life long commitment to non-violence. He will also be presented with gifts by the Brigidine Sisters and some local children. Following the public welcome in the Market Square the Dalai Lama will make his way to St. Brigid’s Cathedral through a guard of honour comprising Kildare children waving white flags, with the strains of the uilleann pipes (played live by Liam O Flynn) in the air. The Dalai Lama will experience the beauty of St. Brigid’s Cathedral and spend some time in meditation with local religious leaders. After his period of meditation in St. Brigid’s Cathedral His Holiness will travel by car to St. Brigid’s Church where he will address those assembled on the theme of Compassion. Some seven hundred people will be in St. Brigid’s Church to hear this historic address. The Dalai Lama’s address in St. Brigid’s Church will be web cast live on: www.kildare-nationalist.ie and www.ustream.com Live web streaming will start at 2pm on Wednesday the 13th April The Dalai Lama’s spiritual visit to Kildare Town is being organised by Solas Bhride in Kildare Town (Brigidine Sisters) and Children in Crossfire, Afri and Spunout. The Organisations wanted to give as many as possible, the opportunity to see and hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama and also wished the Dalai Lama to experience some of Ireland’s spiritual and cultural heritage during his brief visit.
Press Release
Turning of the Sod for the new Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, Tully, Kildare Town February 15th, 2013 (Dedicated to St. Brigid of Kildare, Patroness of Ireland) The commencement of construction of the new Solas Bhride Spirituality Centre and Hermitages in Tully, Kildare town, was marked today, February 15th, 2013, by an official turning of the sod ceremony, by Rita Minehan, Brigidine Sister and overall Co-ordinator of the Project, alongside the Finance Committee the Project Team, Brigidine sisters and the local community. Also in attendance were Mr. Michael Malone, County Manager, Mr. Chris Byrne, Chairperson Kildare Leader Partnership and other public representatives. The ceremony was marked by music and the weaving of a St. Brigid’s cross into which was woven a flavour of the history of the project and words of gratitude for those involved. The cross will be placed in the foundations of the new building. This was followed by a blessing of the site. The new Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, which is expected to attract over 15,000 pilgrims to the area by 2015, “will be a wonderful facility for the people of Kildare and the many pilgrims/visitors who come from all over the world,” said Ann Riordan, member of the Development Team. The vision of the Centre which is “to unfold the legacy of St. Brigid of Kildare and its increasing relevance for our world” is a continuation of the work of the small Brigidine community in Dara Park, Kildare town. The Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages will cost €4 million of which, 80% has already being raised. The fundraising will continue during construction. “Fundraising is extremely difficult at this time,” said Sr. Phil O’Shea, “when many people are hurt by the recession. However, we trust and believe in miracles!” Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages will have: • Reception and exhibition space • Conference room • Four self-catering hermitages • Spirituality education and library area • Hospitality room • Chapel / prayer room • Spiritual accompanying / counselling room • Meeting room • Residential facilities for two staff members • Ancillary service and utility spaces Background Information The Brigidine Sisters, set up a small Christian Centre for Celtic Spirituality in a house in Kildare town in 1992. The Centre has become a popular destination for the many pilgrims and visitors, local, national and international, interested in the traditions, values and customs associated with Brigid of Kildare. The growth in numbers of pilgrims/visitors each year has created an urgent need for a larger centre and hermitages. In response to this demand, the Brigidine Sisters, purchased a site in 2007, secured Planning Permission in 2009 and created a €4.00 million Development Plan for a unique ecologically sustainable Centre and Hermitages. A Development Team including men and women from Kildare and beyond has worked in partnership with the sisters in designing and promoting the new Centre and Hermitage.
