Already we can see a slight stretch in the evenings and this assures us that the time of greatest darkness is over and that spring is already on its way. So it is time to again celebrate the wonderful heritage of Brigid of Faughart and Brigid of Kildare. Brigid often described as “ breathing life into the mouth of dead winter” is associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc which marks the early beginnings of springtime in Ireland . Both Brigid of Faughart and Brigid of Kildare are at the heart of the Celtic spiritual tradition. Brigid is greatly loved and revered not only in this area but all over Ireland. Two major festivals honour Brigid at this time in Ireland the Brigid of Faughart festival and Fheile Bhride in Kildare town. In the Brigid of Faughart festival we celebrate, not only the ancient heritage of Brigid of Faughart , but we ask the following questions “What does Brigid represent in modern Ireland” “What qualities does she express that would serve us in our world today ? and “How can Brigid and what she represents inspire us humans to live wisely amidst the change, the turmoil and the uncertainty that is so much a part of our lives in 21^st century Ireland?

When we read the stories associated with Brigid we learn that she was a woman who trusted completely in God and life to provide what was needed in each moment. She was renowned for her generosity to everyone. She was courageous constantly challenging status quo and made bold choices in her life. Now, more than ever, we need not only to call on her to support or heal us but we need to develop in ourselves those qualities that distinguished Brigid in her day .When we do this we ourselves become catalysts for change in today’s world as she way in her time. So at this time we invoke her energy and guidance in becoming alive again to all the new possibilities present in the midst of all the darkness and doom and gloom .This year’s the programme includes a very powerful workshop entitled “ Be the Change “ which seeks to educate participants into the wonderful possibilities that exist for each of us to being a part of the change we wish to seen in the world . This programme runs from 10.30am. – 4.00pm on Saturday Jan 28^th in the Magnet Pastoral Centre Dundalk. Further information about this process is posted on www.bethechange.org.uk .

The pilgrimage walk from the Peace garden fair Green Dundalk at 10.00am on Sunday allows us to rediscover the joy of walking in a reflective way retracing the footsteps of the many thousands of people who have made this pilgrimage in earlier times. Pat O Rourke shares his knowledge and passion for the Hill of Faughart at 12.noon. On Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm in Magnet Pastoral Centre Dundalk, Anthony Murphy, in a beautifully illustrated talk ,shares intriguing insights about the cosmic dimension of the sacred landscape that connects Brigid of Faughart and Brigid of Kildare.

A community ritual celebration of Brigid and the festival of Imbolc take place in the Community Hall in Ravensdale Dundalk at 6.30pm. This will be facilitated by May Coyle Dolores Whelan and Stephanie O Hanlon and is an opportunity for people to come together ,to welcome Brigid and springtime in prayer, song and dance and build community together.

Brigid has always been closely associated with poetry. To celebrate this aspect of Brigid you are invited to an evening of poetry, story and song in Riva Townhouse Seatown Dundalk on Monday Jan 30^th at 8.00pm Further details John Noonan 087 2538583.

On Wed 1^st Feb la Fheile Bhride Fr Tom Hamill will celebrate a special Eucharist at 1.00pm in the oratory at Faughart shrine.

The final event in this year’s festival is an evening of circle dancing in the Outcomer’s hall Roden Place Dundalk 7.30 –9.00pm. This is facilitated by Stephanie O Hanlon. Phone 086 -3059415 for details.