Saint Brigid of Ireland and the miracle of beer

Santa Brigida of Ireland, known as the "Mary of the Gaels" is a figure venerated in the tradition and cult of the Green Isle. Born around the 1th century, she is commemorated on February XNUMXst in the Martyrologium Romanum together with better-known saints such as Saint Patrick and Saint Columba.

Bridget was born around 451 AD near Dundalk, County Louth. She is said to have been the daughter of a pagan chief or druid and a slave. From a young age, she gave herself generously to help the poor and needy. Although her father tried to sell her, she was freed by the king of Leinster who recognized her sanctity.

Brigida is known for having founded the Kildare Monastery, sixty kilometers from Dublin, where she was also abbess. The monastery initially welcomed a community of men and women, as was common practice in the Celtic church of the time. The monastery was known as “oak cell” and an altar placed on a wooden beam was said to have miraculous powers.

Saint Bridget and the miracle of beer

Among the numerous miracles attributed to Saint Bridget, the most famous is that of transmutation of water into beer, inspired by the Wedding at Cana. According to legend, during Lent, the community found itself without beer for the Easter banquet. Bridget blessed a barrel and the water turned into beer, which satisfied the needs of eighteen churches until Easter.

Furthermore, on February 1st, the feast day of Saint Brigid, the tradition of Bridget's cross. According to one story, while he was at his bedside dying father, Bridget wove a cross of rushes or straw and explained the meaning of the Christian cross. The conversion of his father occurred and he was baptized shortly before his death.

Il worship of Saint Brigid spread to Europe thanks to Irish missionaries in the centuries following her death. Today, there are places of worship dedicated to Saint Brigid in Belgium and Italy, where the feast of St. Bridget is also celebrated'Imbolc, a spring celebration.