One of the big components of Catholicism that I love is the naming and revering of saints. It's such a nice and admirable bit of legendry … one that, thank God (so to speak), “Catholic cultures” tend to treasure and maintain even as they become increasingly more secular. In my view it's just really cool, for instance, that Catholic cultures in Europe and Latin America have incorporated Saints feast days as community celebrations. I suppose in most places that celebrate saints' feast days there's a bit of religious sentiment as believers fixate on the saint as a Divine touchstone. But in my experience, the “religiosity” is nominal, and the partying and feasting and public celebrations with parades and blaring horns and fireworks and lively libations and wonderful traditional costumes make a saint's feast day a delightful, fun, and meaningful point on the calendar.

 

So … by and large, I think protestantism is simply boring in its mainline manifestations; and way too shrill, stupid, and dangerous in its evangelical manifestations. But a good Saintly Feast Day … ah … that's a celebration to look forward to.

 

With that in mind, it warms my cockles to see this town in Ireland celebrate the return of a few fragments of the original skeleton (maybe, lol) of St. Brigid. And as far as it goes, it warms my cockles to see the saintly legend of Brigid put to good use. Because that's another good thing about Saints … it's a way of revering a particular way of life, or quality, or great work or sacrifice that is attributed to the saint. And the story of Brigid really is a good one … for those who would endorse a legend of a strong, compassionate woman who promoted kindness and stability.

I like her, and think the thoughts and prayers and intentions of those who revere her really can be a positive presence in the world.

 

With that in mind, here's a little traditional offering that maybe somebody wants to offer to the memory and the mission of Bridgid. I already have. Good stuff.

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