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5 février 2025 3 05 /02 /février /2025 20:26
Brigid, Ever-Good Woman

A Hymn Dedicated to St. Brigid of Kildare

St. Brigid, or Naomh Bríd in Irish, is a 5th century Irish saint and is considered one of the patron saints of Ireland, including Saints Patrick and Columba. While not much is known about her life, the saint has been recorded to be the daughter of an enslaved Christian woman named Broicsech and Dubhthach, a clan chief in Leinster. In her hagiography, there are many miracles attributed to pertaining largely to feeding the poor and healing. She became a consecrated virgin by Saint Mac Caille, Bishop of Cruachán Brí Éile, and later became an abbess by St Mél of Ardagh at Mág Tulach.

The following hymn Brigit Be Bithmaith, or “Brigid, Ever-Good Woman” is one of several hymns found in the Irish Liber Hymnorum dedicated to the titular saint. As these hymns were grouped together, it indicates that they were sung as part of her feast day. To commemorate St. Brigid’s Day – Lá Fhéile Bríde or Imbolc depending on context – both an Old Gaelic and English translation are provided, offering the opportunity to read the poem in its original language while understanding its pious message.

Brigit Be Bithmaith (Old Gaelic)

 

Brigit be bith-maith

breo orda oiblech,

donfe do’n bith-laith

in grian tind taidlech.

Ronsoera Brigit

sech drungu demna,

roroena reunn

catha cach thedma.

Dorodba innunn

ar colla císu

in chroeb co mblathaib

in mathair Ísu.

Ind fhir-óg inmain

co n-orddain adbail,

biam soer cech inbaid

la’m nóeb do Laignib.

Leth-cholba flatha

la Patraic prímda;

in tlacht uas ligdaib

ind rigan rígda.

Robbe tiar sinit

ar cuirp hic-cilicc;

dia rath ronbroena,

ronsoera Brigit.

Brigit bé.

Brigit Be Bithmaith (English translation)

Brigit be ever-good,
A splendid, shining flame,
She will bring to the world
The bright, radiant sun.

Brigit will defend us
Against the hosts of demons,
She will drive away
The battles of every affliction.

She has chosen chastity
For the love of Christ,
Like a branch with blossoms,
The mother of Jesus.

This beloved young woman
With great honor,
We shall be free in every age
By the hand of the holy one of Leinster.

A pillar of the kingdom
With Patrick the foremost;
The splendid glory above the tombs,
The royal queen.

She will rest in the west,
Her body in the grave;
By her grace, may she protect us,
May Brigit defend us.

Brigit the woman.

St. Brigid’s Prayer

(Poem attributed to St. Brigid herself)
I’d like to give a lake of beer to God.
I’d love the heavenly
Host to be tippling there
For all eternity.
I’d love the men of Heaven to live with me,
To dance and sing.
If they wanted, I’d put at their disposal
Vats of suffering.
White cups of love I’d give them
With a heart and a half;
Sweet pitchers of mercy I’d offer
To every man.
I’d make Heaven a cheerful spot
Because the happy heart is true.
I’d make the men contented for their own sake.
I’d like Jesus to love me too.
I’d like the people of heaven to gather
From all the parishes around.
I’d give a special welcome to the women,
The three Marys of great renown.
I’d sit with the men, the women and God
There by the lake of beer.
We’d be drinking good health forever
And every drop would be a prayer.

Cardinal Moran’s Prayer to St. Brigid

O Glorious St. Brigid, Mother of the Churches of Erin, patroness of our missionary race, wherever their lot may be cast, be thou our guide in the paths of virtue, protect us amid temptation, shield us from danger. Preserve to us the heritage of chastity and temperance; keep ever brightly burning on the altar of our hearts the sacred Fire of Faith, Charity, and Hope, that thus we may emulate the ancient piety of Ireland’s children, and the Church of Erin may shine with peerless glory as of old. Thou wert styled by our fathers ” The Mary of Erin,” secure for us by thy prayers the all-powerful protection of the Blessed Virgin, that we may be numbered here among her most fervent clients, and may hereafter merit a place together with Thee and the countless Saints of Ireland, in the ranks of her triumphant children in Paradise. Amen.

Prayer to St. Brigid

Dear St. Brigid, brilliant star of sanctity in the early days of our Irish faith and love for the omnipotent God Who has never forsaken us, we look up to you now in earnest, hopeful prayer. By your glorious sacrifice of earthly riches, joys and affections obtain for us grace to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His justice” with constant trust in His fatherly care. By your life of laborious charity to the poor, the sick, the many seekers for light and comfort, obtain for us grace to be God’s helpers to the utmost of our power during our stay on earth, looking forward, as you did, to our life with Him during eternity. By the sanctified peace of your death-bed, obtain for us that we may receive the fullness of pardon and peace when the hour comes that will summon us to the judgment seat of our just and most merciful Lord. Amen.

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