I contributed the Thought for the Day on Radio Ulster on Sunday 1 February, St Brigid’s Day.
You can listen here, or read it below:
Bishop Brigid
Late in the fifth century, a group of Irish women who wished to take vows as nuns were received by Bishop Mel of Ardagh, a disciple and nephew of St Patrick. When the last woman stepped forward to receive the veil, unexpected words flowed from Mel’s lips: he recited the prayers used to ordain a bishop. As he spoke, a column of fire rose from the woman’s head.
Today is the feast day of St Brigid, the humble nun who – according to four different medieval sources – was made a bishop in the Irish Church.
When Mel was later asked how he could make such a mistake, he replied: ‘No power have I in this matter – God has given her this honour.’ One source explained that the bishop had been ‘intoxicated with the grace of God.’
Brigid is one of Ireland’s patron saints, yet few today speak openly about—or even know—the story of her ordination. This may be because male Church authorities dismissed the account, insisting that only men could lead the Church.
In contrast, stories of Brigid’s life show her resisting conventional forms of power. Renowned for her beauty, she rejected kings’ offers of marriage, choosing instead to remain faithful to her religious calling, especially her service to the poor. In one tale, she disfigured her face to deter the advances of the King of Leinster.
In another, she promised a cow to the poor, only for a nobleman to claim it. Brigid ensured the cow produced milk without end, providing enough for everyone.
As her monastery in Kildare prospered, local chieftains repeatedly attempted to seize it. Brigid met them with negotiation, defusing threats of violence with reasoned argument and, at times, calling on God for miraculous intervention. In doing so, she preserved the monastery as a place of welcome for those seeking healing or practical help.
When Bishop Mel was accused of erring in consecrating Brigid, he insisted that the Holy Spirit does not make mistakes. Bishop Brigid’s life still burns as proof that when grace chooses its leaders, no power on earth can extinguish the flame.
Dear Gladys,
Thank you for confirming that Saint Brigid according to four different medieval sources – was made a bishop in the Irish Church. The Holy Spirit does not make mistakes.