St. Brigid was born around the year 450 in Ireland. Her parents had been baptized by St. Patrick, who brought the faith to that country. Much of what we know about her is from legend.

As Brigid grew up, she grew in her love for Jesus. She looked for him in the poor and often brought food and clothing to them. The story is told that one day she gave away a whole pail of milk, then she began to worry about what her mother would say. She prayed to the Lord to make up for what she had given away. When she got home, her pail was full again!

As a young girl, Brigid wanted to devote her life to Jesus. She became a nun with the help of St. Mel, St. Patrick's nephew. She formed a religious community with seven other young women.

Brigid started the first Irish convent at Kildare and became its abbess. She also founded a school of art, which won fame for its beautifully illuminated manuscripts. The monastery at Kildare became a center of education nd spirituality. In time, the city of Kildare with its cathedral grew up around it.

Brigid became know as the "Mary of the Irish" because her love and compassion reminded people of the Blessed Mother. She died in 525 and was buried at Downpartick near St. Columba and St. Patrick.

Jesus loves each one of us. St. Brigid imitated the love and compassion of Jesus, especially for the poor. She reminds us that every person is special to God.