C&SI - Who is the real St Brigid? - (TheWay.ie) - 1st Feb 2026 (S06E11)

Lá Fhéile Bhríde shona daoibh go léir! (Happy St Brigid's day!)

On this the feast day of one of Ireland's patron saints (did you know we had three! - Patrick, Brigid and Colmcille) here on C&SI we explore the question of who was the real St Brigid renowned for her hospitality, kindness and generosity and care of the sick. We share an interview with Dr Edel Bhreathnach which was shared on TheWay.ie

In part one of the programme we have our regular look at the up coming liturgical odds and ends including the saints of the week and a prayer space.

In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is the beginning of Matthews account of the Sermon on the Mount from chapter 5 of his gospel and which begins with Jesus' teaching of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12).

Who is the real St Brigid?

In part two of this weeks programme we have interview with Dr Edel Bhreathnach on TheWay.ie which seeks to explore the history behind the saintly woman Brigid. 

Saint Brigid was born in 454 and she went on to found a double monastery in Kildare with the assistance of Bishop Conleth.  The Saint Brigid’s Cross, in legend used by Brigid to explain the Christian faith, remains a popular sign of God’s protection.  Her legacy is one of compassion, courage, faith and female leadership. However many confuse Saint Brigid who founded her monastery in Kildare with a preceding pagan Goddess myth.

Medieval historian Dr Edel Bhreathnach aims to answer the question – Who is the real St Brigid?

Dr Breathnach is a medieval historian with a particular interest in interdisciplinary studies that connect archaeology, history and literature.  She has done extensive research on St Brigid focusing on areas like why she chose Kildare, the historical and political context in which she achieved so much and her impact on the spread of Christianity in Ireland.