Revisiting some of the traditions and customs associated with St. Brigid and their relevance today
The Solas Bhride Team, in their presentation, will be revisiting some of the traditions and customs associated with St. Brigid and their relevance today. They will speak on some of the customs associated with:
– the gathering of the rushes
– the making of the crosses
– Brigid’s eve rituals
– the Brat Bhride
One of the oldest customs and traditions associated with St. Brigid is the weaving of the crosses. Each year people weave a St. Brigid’s cross leading up to the feastday on February 1st. The crosses are then placed over the door seeking Brigid’s protection against fire and disease. There will be an opportunity for those who visit Solas Bhride between 10.30 a.m. – 12.00 noon to weave a cross.
Solas Bhride (Brigid’s light/flame) is a Christian Spirituality Centre with a focus on the legacy of St. Brigid. The Centre welcomes people of all faiths and of no faith in their search for meaning on life’s journey.
Our Vision
The vision of the Centre is to unfold the legacy of St. Brigid and its relevance for our world.
Site Foreman, Stephen Smyth, opening the door on February 1st.
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 and Rita MinehanCentre.
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.
Fr. Dennis speaking about the sculpture
Sr. Mary presents Fr. Dennis with a St. Brigid’s cross
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.