Week four of Celtic Saints and the Arts was devoted to St. Brigid, a patron of Ireland along with Patrick and Columba. Of the three, her stories might seem the most mythological as her hagiography strongly resonates with both biblical stories and stories of the pre-Christian pan-Celtic goddess of the same name. This resonance serves to express her sanctity in the context of both cultures.
The Irish Quilt paintings of Barrie McGuire have some basis in the miracle of St. Brigid spreading her cloak to claim land for her monastery. The forests and fields of the Emerald Isle itself are traditionally said to be the garment of the goddess covering over all the animals and people that dwell there.
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| One of the quilt paintings with the artist's mother as model. |
And this painting by the Celtic Revival painter John Duncan enthralled our imaginations with its color and light, its tapestry-like angel robes, their wings, and the praying Brigid being transported through time and space from this brisk northern sea scene to Bethlehem to care for the Baby Jesus.
Click here for a meditation I wrote on Brigid's "Rune of Hospitality" describing a role music plays in our hosting one another.
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