Brigid was born about AD 453 in Faughart, a few miles from Dundalk, county Louth. Some say her parents were of humble origin; others that her father was Dubhthach, an Irish chieftain.

Feast day: 01 February

As a child it was already apparent that Brigid had a 'calling' as she showed exceptional love for the poor. She kept a store of clothes and food for the poor, and on one occasion when her mother sent her to collect butter, Brigid gave it all away.

Her father tried to arrange a marriage for his daughter (a way of making her someone else's responsibility because he was annoyed with her 'holiness'), but she wasn't interested. Beautiful Brigid consecrated herself to God at a young age, choosing a life of virginity, dedication to God and service to the poor.

Brigid's sanctity drew many others to her, and when she was about 15 years old she settled with seven other like-minded girls near Croghan Hill in order to devote herself to God's service, and approached St. Maccaille for guidance. At first, Maccaille was doubtful of the wisdom of Brigid's decision, thinking it was misdirected zeal. But, the more time he spent with Brigid and her postulants, the more he came to see that the hand of God guiding them. When Brigid and her virgins appeared before Bishop Mel, various accounts tell that a miraculous manifestation of the Holy Spirit occurred.

Many miracles are attributed to Brigid, including one where she prayed and turned ordinary water into beer!