St. Brigid of Kildare

Cross Weaving

St. Brigid Cross is the most enduring tradition associated with St. Brigid.

Laudato Si Week – 16 to 25 May 2021

Solas Bhride joins with people around the world in prayer to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week, May 16 – 25, to reflect on what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, and to prepare for the future with hope. In 2015 Pope Francis published Laudato Si’ – On Care for Our Common Home. This ground-breaking encyclical is addressed to “every single person living on this planet”. He urges us all to listen to “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor Laudato Si’ Week 2021, which is held May 16-25, is the crowning event of the Special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year and a celebration of the progress the whole Church has made on its journey to ecological conversion. You can further information on the following website: https://catholicclimatemovement.global/laudato-si-week-2021-everything-you-need-to-know-en-news/

Reflection on Féile Bríde

reflections on feile bride

Virtual Féile Bríde We were delighted that so many of you could join us on our first virtual Féile Bríde, our annual celebration of St Brigid, her legacy and her relevance in our world today. We welcomed people from around the world who united with us on an inner pilgrim journey, celebrating Brigid and the coming of Spring, a time of hope, opportunity and new life. St Brigid’s Pilgrimage Our St Brigid’s eve pilgrimage followed the route of the previous 28 years as we were guided  in travelling with the Light from Solas Bhride to St Brigid’s Garden Well where we were led in reflection and prayer, in stillness and in light.  La Féile Bhríde is a wonderful celebration every year in Solas Bhride when many of our friends from the surrounding community, and from all parts of the globe join us in making the traditional St Brigid’s Cross. So instead this year Mary led the Nation on TV demonstrating how to make the cross, and Rita gave a message of hope to all from Solas Bhride in this challenging year. Virtual Lecture Brenda and Margaret, members of Cairde Bhride, reminded us through their virtual lecture of the Traditions and Customs associated with St Brigid. St Brigid’s relevance in todays world was explored by Rita in her webinar.  Phil and Geraldine kindled a renewed sense of light and hope in all of us in their two evenings of mediation. Other Programme Events We were delighted to work in collaboration with Afri, Kildare Town Library, Into Kildare, Kildare Heritage Centre and our local Councillors who through their events made our week long celebration of St. Brigid very special indeed. The week ended on a high note with a beautiful virtual concert featuring Kildare artists. Weekly Meditation We invite you to join us in our weekly meditations commencing on Thursday February 18th as we prepare and look forward to our celebration of Easter. For further details check our website or log in to our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you then.

Development Update – March 2014

The construction on the exterior of the building is now almost complete. The last of the windows were installed in mid-February. A lot of the major interior work is nearing completion. Painting has begun and it is hoped that most of the interior work will be completed within the next three weeks. The timber floors will not be installed for a further six weeks to allow the building to dry out completely. The wet and windy weather have not been favorable to landscaping. However, some progress has been made. The oak trees that have been nurtured at Solas Bhride since 2007 were inspected and deemed to be in good condition for planting at the site. Fundraising We are in the process of negotiation a loan/loans to cover cost of completing the building. We still need to raise a further €790,000.  Any donation is deeply appreciated.   We need your help! Donations can be made through the Donation Page at this website or directly to Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, 14 Dara Park, Kildare Town, Co.Kildare, Ireland.   Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages will open in Summer 2014