New Saint Patron for 2017

Due to the generosity of my oldest child and her husband, hubby and I received a trip to Ireland for a Christmas present.  Needless to say, we are thrilled.  Hubby was so touched, he cried.  Naturally, our thoughts are filled with plans of what to see and where to go.  But meanwhile, life goes on.

Blogging continues.  Last night I came across a site that I usually frequent, this time of year.  In one of the posts, the tradition of picking a saint for a patron, for the new year, was posted.  I forgot about doing that.  But I did take advantage of that suggestion.  Guess who I got.

St. Brigid of Ireland.

God-incidence?

St. Brigid is one of Ireland's patron saints.  Mine too, now.  She is the patron saint of

babies; blacksmiths; boatmen; brewers; cattle; chicken farmers; children whose parents are not married; children with abusive fathers; children born into abusive unions; Clan Douglas; dairymaids; dairy workers; fugitives; infants; Ireland; Leinster, mariners; midwives; milk maids; nuns; poets; poor; poultry farmers; poultry raisers; printing presses; sailors; scholars; travellers; watermen

That must cover everybody and everything.  Busy lady!  I like her cross.  The story goes that Brigid sat beside a sick man who was raving in the throes of a fever. Of course, she prayed.  As he got better, she made a cross for him by scooping up the straw from the floor.  And that's why the cross is so primitive looking.  (I know.  It looks like a swastika.  I guess that's the best she could do with the time and material she had on hand.)  

Anyway, go to the saint's name generator and get a patron for the new year.  It's always nice to have a new friend.

As you can see, Brigid is a patron of those who need to feel they have a home, someone to come to, a hearth, to feel safe near, and a protectress to love.  This prayer applies to all who need such a patroness.

Hearth Keeper Prayer

Brigid of the Mantle, encompass us,

Lady of the Lambs, protect us,

Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.

Beneath your mantle, gather us,

And restore us to memory.

Mothers of our mother, Foremothers strong.

Guide our hands in yours,

Remind us how to kindle the hearth.

To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.

Your hands upon ours, Our hands within yours,

To kindle the light, Both day and night.

The Mantle of Brigid about us,

The Memory of Brigid within us,

The Protection of Brigid keeping us

From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.

This day and night,

From dawn till dark, From dark till dawn.