Saint Brigid of Ireland The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) The daughter of a slave woman and a pagan chieftain, Brigid of Ireland is said to have converted to Christianity as a child after hearing Saint Patrick preach in theyear 468. Brigidwas renowned for her generosity. Once, after churning a great deal of butter, she gave it all away to the poor. Before Brigid could be puni shed for the but ter ’s disappearance, the crock was miraculously refilled. Toher father’s exasperation, shewouldgive away Commemorating when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, Candlemas is celebrated with the blessing of beeswax candles and the reading (or chanting) of the Nunc Dimittis (Canticle of Simeon). In the Gospel of Luke, we hear of the elderly Simeon and Anna, both devout Jews who awaited the Messiah all of their lives. Upon the milk from his cows and even some of his costly possessions to those in need. Eventually Saint Patrick persuaded Brigid’s father to let his daughter become a nun. Brigid’s reputation for kindness attractedmany followers, and she established twin monasteries— one for men and one for women— in Kildare, Ireland. During her l i fet ime, these commun i t i es flourished as centers of prayer, art, music, and learning. seeing the Christ Chi ld in the Temple, they recognizedhimas the Savior and gave thanks. The feast is celebratedwith candles because SimeondescribedJesus as the light of God that would spread to the non-Jewish, or Gentile, world. In some French-speaking countries of Europe, the tradition is to eat crêpes, or pancakes, and to light the candles that were blessed at Mass earlier in the day. 18 February 1 February 2 19
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