Spring 2022 Newsletter

Snowdrops, once known as Brigid's footprints, popped up to greet the first day of Spring as friends old and new joined us in our celebrations of Féile Bríde through talks, ritual, pilgrimage, chats and stillness.

The weeklong festivities as always were greatly enhanced by the involvement of Kildare Town Library, Kildare Education Support Centre, Kildare Heritage Centre, Into Kildare, the very committed members of Cairde Bhríde and with the support of Kildare County Council. We were also delighted to host an exhibition by SULT, a group of artists from across Kildare.

'Moving towards the Light' was the theme of this year's Afri's conference. The conference asked us to challenge the culture of violence and to re-define the meaning of maleness where the characteristics of aggression and dominance are replaced with the values of kindness, strength and compassion, values espoused by Brigid of Kildare. Rita Minehan presented the Brigid Flame, a symbol of Hope Justice and Peace.

This is a special year for Solas Bhríde as it marks the 30th anniversary of the arrival of the Brigidine Sisters in Kildare Town and the subsequent establishment of Solas Bhríde Spirituality Centre. We look forward to sharing our memories of the many special people we encountered along the journey and will host events throughout the year to mark the anniversary.

Thank you all for the richness of your presence this week and we look forward to welcoming you back to our many events planned for this year. We now share some highlights from Féile Bríde and introduce you to some of our spring/summer events for 2022.
Mary, Rita, Phil & Geraldine

On St Brigid’s eve we gathered at the Wayside Well where a Brigid's cross was woven and the pilgrims were blessed with water from the well as they walked mindfully to Solas Bhríde. Our pilgrimage continued with a reflection on the legends of St Brigid and how they speak to us today. The pilgrimage ended with the placing of Brat Bhríde at Brigid’s Sculpture. We are most grateful to the musicians led by Treasa Harkin for the music they provided throughout the pilgrimage. We were delighted to be joined in song by Deirdre Ni Chinnéide.

Brenda Kindregan and Margaret Walsh spoke about the many celtic customs and traditions associated with St Brigid. The central tradition was the threshold rite which took place in the family home and concluded with the weaving of the crosses. The weaving of the Brigid cross was to invoke Brigid's protection for family, land, livestock and for the new growing season ahead. The brat bhríde placed outside on Brigid's eve was believed to catch some of Brigid's healing properties. Many of these traditions are still practiced today.

The candles in the sacred space were lit from the Brigid Flame and a warm welcome was given to all gathered for the sacred dance. Terry Hennessy and Betty White launched the celebration of Brigid and Springtime with the sun dance. Each step forming the rays of the sun, generating energy from the group as they moved in unison to the rhythm of the music. A truly uplifting experience of dance, story, prayer and meditation.

Brenda Kindregan explored through dialogue, story/legend, poetry and meditation the work of connecting with who we are at the core of our being, thus enabling the flourishment of self, others, and planet Earth.
'Only by doing our inner work can we hope to be agents of change in the world'
~ Mirabai Starr

Rita Minehan guided us through meditation to reflect on the light within each of us.

'Let your light shine' ~ Matthew 5:16