Kildare: After a millennium-long journey, the sacred relics of St. Bridget have finally found their way back to the saint’s hometown of Kildare, marking a momentous occasion that drew hundreds of spectators on a Sunday morning. The historic relic has been enshrined in a specially crafted church, where a profound circumambulation and a joyous Holy Mass served as poignant testimonials to this remarkable event. This ceremonious return precedes the celebration of St. Bridget’s Day on February 1, now recognised as a public holiday since the government’s announcement two years ago.
The tale of Bridget, known as the Angel of Peace, traces back to her burial near the high altar of the monastic church in Kildare. Over the centuries, the site evolved into a revered pilgrimage destination. However, during the Viking invasion 300 years later, the relics were relocated to Downpatrick Cathedral in Northern Ireland, interred in an unmarked grave alongside St. Patrick and St. Columba.
The rediscovery of the relics is intertwined with a divine intervention in 1185, when the Bishop of Down, along with the faithful, prayed for guidance. Christian history recounts a miraculous event where a visible ray of light on the church floor unveiled the hidden relics. Despite challenges, including the destruction of the shrine by King Henry VIII’s Lord Leonard Grey, the relics endured. A portion was safeguarded in Lumiere, near Lisbon, Portugal, where it continues to be venerated at the Church of St. John the Baptist every Sunday.
In the 1930s, the Brigidine Sisters of Tullow, Carlow, played a crucial role in bringing part of the relic back to Ireland. Now, it has found its permanent home in St. Bridget’s Parish Church in Kildare. Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Sister Rita Minahen emphasised the significance of St. Bridget to the city, asserting that Kildare owes its very existence to the revered saint.
David Monge, Chairman of the Kildare Tourism Board, acknowledged the event’s importance, anticipating a substantial boost in pilgrimage tourism for the region. He noted that this return, after a millennium or more, signifies St. Bridget coming to rest in her own Kildare, an occurrence of profound historical and spiritual significance.
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