Brigid’s Mantle: Finding the Fiery Saint of Kildare at the Heart of Celtic Spirituality

Discover the Fiery Spirit at the Heart of Celtic Spirituality.

Journey through the sacred landscapes of Ireland with Nancy Fitzgerald as she weaves together history, folklore, and personal pilgrimage to illuminate the enduring legacy of St. Brigid. This woman of profound holiness, known for her fearless leadership and boundless compassion, is today recognized as a patron saint of Ireland. From the miraculous spreading of her cloak to her acts of mercy and hospitality, St. Brigid’s story transcends time, offering inspiration to seekers of faith, justice, and community. Explore the ancient wells, holy sites, and enduring rituals associated with Brigid, as Fitzgerald delves into the connections between Celtic pagan traditions and Christian spirituality. Uncover how Brigid’s message continues to resonate, providing wisdom for a world in search of meaning and belonging.

Endorsements

＂Ireland’s catalog of famous saints and scholars has too often overlooked the great women among them. St. Brigid was a contemporary of St. Patrick and, according to folklore, was ordained a bishop. Her remarkable life story has long, long been held deep in folk memory but has struggled to get the recognition it deserves. Nancy Fitzgerald’s biography of Brigid helps rectify that, bringing her to vivid life for a new generation.＂
--Mary McAleese, chancellor of Trinity College, Dublin and former president of Ireland

＂This book shows us who Brigid was and how she nurtured Christianity in the early days of the church, standing up fearlessly for the poor and offering Christian love to those on the margins. Those marginalized people are still with us today, and this book offers a glimpse into how Brigid’s example can help us care for them in our own time and place.＂
--James Martin SJ, author of Learning to Pray

＂The reflective questions posed by the author point us toward a new and creative pathway in both church and society, which draws on some of the wisdom, vision, and mystery of St. Brigid, Matron Saint of Ireland.＂
--Sister Rita Minehan, CSB, director, Solas Bhride Celtic Spirituality Center, Kildare, Ireland

Nancy Fitzgerald is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in many publications. She is a member of the board of trustees of the Women’s Ordination Conference, where she serves as editor of the magazine New Women, New Church.
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