A step by step demonstration of how to make a St Brigid’s Cross. Recorded in Kildare Town at Feile Bride 2013.
Thanks to Margaret Walsh and Solas Bhride team.
Resources below posted on Kandle.ie
Father of all creation and Lord of Light,
you have given us life and entrusted your creation to us to use it and to care for it.
We ask you to bless these crosses made of green rushes in memory of holy Brigid,
who used the cross to recall and to teach your Son’s life, death and resurrection.
May these crosses be a sign of our sharing in the Paschal Mystery of your Son and a sign of your protection of our lives, our land and its creatures through Brigid’s intercession during the coming year and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
The crosses are sprinkled with holy water:
May the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be on these crosses and on the places where they hang and on everyone who looks at them. Amen.
(taken from Morning Prayer for the Feast of St Brigid)
We praise the Lord Jesus Christ who led St. Brigid along the paths of Justice and holiness; and pray that we may follow his way.
Response; Lord, be our light and salvation.
Through your resurrection, Lord Jesus, new light came into our darkness – let your Church be a light to the world.
Response; Lord, be our light and salvation.
At the springtime of the year we renew our hope – give us the grace to encourage all whom we meet today.
Response; Lord, be our light and salvation.
Brigid dedicated her life to prayer and service – bring many more women to give their lives to the dedicated service and holiness of religious life.
Response; Lord, be our light and salvation.
Lord Jesus, you gave Brigid the desire to serve and not be served – may we spend our lives in the service of others.
Response; Lord, be our light and salvation.
You made the word of St. Brigid fruitful; – give success to the work of our hands.
Response; Lord, be our light and salvation.
May Brigid bless the house wherein we dwell.
Bless every fireside, every wall and door.
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.
Bless every hand that toils to bring its joy.
Bless every foot that walks portals through.
May Brigid bless the house that shelters us.
You were a woman of peace.
You brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness.
You brought hope to the downcast.
May the mantle of your peace
cover those who are troubled and anxious,
and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.
Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.
Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.
Strengthen what is weak within us.
Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.
May we grow each day into greater
wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
Amen
Far above enthroned in glory
Sweetest Saint of Erin’s Isle
See thy children kneel before thee
Turn on us a Mother’s smile.
Sancta Maria, hear our pleading
Faith and hope and holy love
Sweet St Brigid, Spouse of Jesus,
Sent to us from Heaven above.
Sweet St Brigid, Erin’s children,
Far and near o’er land and sea
In the world and in the cloister
Fondly turn with love to thee.
Sancta Maria, sooth the mourner
Shield the weary tempted soul
Sweet St Brigid, guide thy children
To thy bright and happy home.
11 11D
(Can be sung to the tune of the first four lines of “Hail Glorious St. Patrick”)
When faith’s light of freedom to Ireland first came,
You, Lord, raised up Brigid to make known your name.
Her proud chieftain father’s wild rage she defied,
And followed your way, with the gospel for guide.
In silence of fields, while she tended her fold,
You spoke to her heart words more precious than gold.
White figure of peace, through our country she went,
In your loving service her whole life was spent.
With keen fiery arrow she set hearts aflame;
To live ‘neath her rule many monks and nuns came.
The poor and the hungry were fed from her store,
For open to all were her heart, hand and door.
For Brigid we praise you, our Father and God,
We praise Christ your Son in whose footsteps she trod,
We praise your kind Spirit who guided her ways,
We praise you, blest Trinity, all of our days.
