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Brigid's Day

The month of January always seems to drag on but it is finally February. I like February. It's the month of our anniversary, Valentine's Day and some interesting feast days. Feb 1-3 is what some call the "triduum of fire" because of St. Brigid, Candlemas and St. Blaise's feast days. Each of these days is marked by fire. So grab your candles and head to Mass to get them blessed, and also your throats. I am all about Catholic weirdness. The traditions that have helped keep the Church alive for so long are endless and fascinating. I feel like I am learning something new about our beautiful faith on a regular basis. 

Today is St. Brigid's Day. There are many traditions about her. She was baptized by St. Patrick, converted people with crosses made of rushes and established a monastery in a pagan land. The one I like is about a perpetual fire at the monastery she founded that burned for hundreds of years. Then some dummies put it out, more than likely Protestants. I believe it was actually re-lit in recent times, last I read up on it. 

We prayed a special prayer asking for her intercession and read a book with very cool Celtic inspired illustrations. Last year we made Brigid's crosses with pipe cleaners but those either did not make the move with us or I left them in the classroom I was teaching at then. Other things you can do on this day: bake Irish scones or make butter, or simply give to the poor by donating food or clothing. 

I do not know the best way to hand on the faith to my daughter and son, but I am trying my hardest. Liturgical living is not a term I was even familiar with until about two years ago. Celebrating feast days with different traditions and reading books about the saints is not something we did growing up. And it's too bad. I missed out on that part despite being a cradle Catholic. I firmly believe one's faith must be lived out loud and in every day life. I pray with my kids no matter their age. They see me reading Scripture. We make foods from different parts of the world in honor of a particular saint. I think that being Catholic can be quite fun and interesting, and I hope to show them that.



Saint Brigid, pray for us
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