Saint Brigid of Kildare

SBorn into slavery, Saint Brigid always had a heart for charity.  Her father eventually tired of her charitable nature and took her to the king of Leinster, intending to sell her. 

As he spoke to the king, Brigid gave his jeweled sword to a beggar so he could barter it for food for his family. When the king, who was a Christian, saw this, he recognized her heart and convinced Dubthach to grant her freedom by saying, "Her merit before God is greater than ours."

Despite her father's efforts to secure Brigid a spouse, she refused and vowed to remain chaste.  Legend has it Brigid prayed that her beauty be taken so no one would want to marry her, and the prayer was granted. It was not until after she made her final vows that her beauty was restored.

Saint Brigid is the patron saint of Ireland, dairy maids, cattle, midwives, Irish nuns, and newborn babies. 

Her feast day is February 1.

Find more information about Saint Brigid HERE