Today is the festival day of St Brigid, one of Ireland’s three patron saints along with St
Patrick and St Columba, who influenced the course of Christianity in that country and
beyond. Brigid was born in the second half of the 5 th century in Leinster; she established a
convent of nuns and monks at Kildare; she travelled widely on missionary journeys; and is
the patron saint of innkeepers and brewers as she is said to have turned water into beer for
an Easter celebration.
St Brigid (or Bridget) is the patron saint of one of the churches in the Glamorgan Heritage
Coast parish, and gave her name to the village in which it is situated – St Brides Major.
Did St Brigid ever come to the village that bears her name? We know that the Irish saints did
travel extensively; she could have crossed the Irish Sea and landed in Wales at what is now
called St Brides Bay and travelled along the old Roman roads, one of which passes through
St Brides Major. After establishing a llan, a Christian community there, Brigid could have
continued to Llanilltud Fawr – and indeed a charter of 1147 mentions a St Brigid’s Way,
running into the West End of Llantwit Major. We know that St Brigid visited Glastonbury, so
she could well have crossed the Bristol Channel from Llantwit after staying with Illtud and
talking about their respective communities. If so, then we have another cause to celebrate
her on her Festival day as one who perhaps influenced and was influenced by Illtud and
Llanilltud Fawr.
In September 2011 a parish pilgrimage took place from St Brides Major to Ireland, visiting
the places associated with St Brigid, and in particular Kildare. We met with the St Brigid
Sisters at their convent in Kildare, where they told us about the flame they keep burning to
symbolise justice and peace. They took us to St Brigid’s Cathedral and then St Brigid’s Parish
Church where we made a St Brigid’s Cross out of rushes which still hangs in the church at St
Brides Major; then to St Brigid’s Well. Here is a video of our visit to Kildare:
St Brigid’s story in our part of the world is told in the hymn that is always sung in St Bridget’s
Church, St Brides Major, at its patronal festival. It was written by the late Bill Rowlands,
formerly head of Brynteg Comprehensive School, Bridgend, and churchwarden of St Brides
Major:
You came across the waters to banish doubts and fears,
and offered us salvation from many barren years.
You overcame indifference which ignorance had bred
and raised your banner skywards where Christ and Saints had led.
Supreme across this valley to Ogmore and the sea,
on hill and gorse-filled common you watched the wicked flee.
All persons knew your coming with love and healing blessed
and hailed the great communion of faith and holy rest.
In time of tribulation, in stress or grief or pain,
your love has helped God's people to save themselves again.
It drives away the hatred, which has betrayed our land,
bestows upon believers the comfort of your hand.
With Dyfrig and with Teilo whose work on earth is done
the cross made by Saint Brigid proclaims that grace is won.
It will endure in glory among the saints on high
and magnify its brightness as centuries go by.
Elect in heavenly splendour, keep all from sin and blame
within this ancient village to which you gave your name.
Defend and guard each creature, your love will never fail,
remain with us forever, our Lady of the Vale.