Note: To observe the Jubilee Year of Mercy (which runs through November 20), for several weeks I am featuring women who exemplify one of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy. Today: Give drink to the thirsty.
The Basics: Born 451 in Ireland; died 523 in Ireland; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, February 1. Woman religious.
The Story: Brigid was no slouch when it came to hospitality. The patroness of Ireland is said to have 
turned water into beer for lepers to whom she was ministering, and on one occasion, turned her own dirty bathwater into beer for visiting clergy. There also are stories of her turning water into healing milk. What we do know for sure about Brigid, whom the Catholic Encyclopedia called “one of the most remarkable Irishwomen of the fifth century,” is that she was among the organizers of consecrated religious life opportunities for women in Ireland; that she was a friend of St. Patrick; that she founded an abbey in Kildare when she was forty; and that she also founded an art school that became known for its illuminated manuscripts.
Brigid’s Wisdom: “Christ is in the person of every faithful guest.”
What We Can Learn from Brigid: Maybe we can’t turn water into beer. But by offering to share whatever drink we have with guests and complete strangers, we and they are blessed.
To Learn More About Brigid: Check out the site for the Kildare Heritage Centre in Ireland. While little remains from the time Brigid was there, the centre is a trove of interesting history and lovely photos.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
