Make a St Brigid's Cross

You may not know it by looking outside, but it's finally spring - and St Brigid's Day!

We have a lovely tradition in this parish of displaying one St Brigid's Cross to mark each year since the 'new' church in Bearna was opened. 

Parishioners - young and old - brought their St Brigid's crosses to Mass on February 1st to have them blessed by Fr Michael. 

This does not date back 41 years, though! The practice was brought in by Fr Leo Morahan, after he was appointed as PP in 1989. Sixth class pupils from Scoil Sheamais Naofa obliged by making 12 crosses to mark the years since the church was officially opened in March 1977. 

Faoi bhrat Bhríde (under the cloak of Brigid): The display in Scoil Sheamais Naofa, Bearna, alludes to the legend of how St Brigid was granted as much land for a convent as her cloak could cover.

Thanks to Kathleen for agreeing to let us film her as she made a cross, which she brought to Mass to be blessed today. One of hers will be added to the rest above the 'long window' to the front of the church to mark the 41st year of the building. See if you can spot them next time you're there!

Beannú Bríd

May our homes, like Brigid's, be places of hospitality and holiness.

May the calm that was Brigid's pinion you;

May the good that was Brigid's preserve you;

May the vitality that twas Brigid's power you;

In the Name of God, the ever-fruitful Three.

AMEN