MASS RESOURCES: FEAST OF SAINT BRIGID

1^ST FEBRUARY 2024

PROCESSION OF SYMBOLS

List of Symbols • Candle: Representing Saint Brigid’s liberating faith.

Dairy products, butter and cheese: Representing the compassionate and charitable nature of St Brigid.
Saint Brigid’s Cross: Reminding us of the work Saint Brigid did to establish the faith in Ireland.
Cloth: A symbol of Saint Brigid’s healing ministry.
Shepherds Crook: A symbol of spiritual leadership and authority in the

Church, signifying the importance St. Brigid and the effect that she had on the Christian faith in Ireland.

Parishes are encouraged to integrate the procession of symbols at the beginning of Mass on the Feast of Saint Brigid. Each parish is encouraged to involve local schools and young people in the liturgy. You may wish to ask the schools or young people to create the symbols to be used in the mass. For convenience, we have included a photograph that can be used as a substitute for a Shepherd’s Crook.

2. Reflection on Symbols

Today as we begin this special year of celebration of St Brigid, the secondary patron of Ireland and one of the patron saints of the Archdiocese of Armagh, we reflect on her remarkable life. St. Brigid was born in a time when Ireland was transitioning from paganism to Christianity. St. Patrick had recently brought the light of faith to the island, and it was quickly replacing the darkness, superstition and ignorance of paganism.

To begin our procession of symbols a candle will be brought forward to represent that liberating faith

that began to burn so brightly in 5th century Ireland and in the heart of the young St. Brigid.

Brigid was greatly influenced by the preaching of St. Patrick and as a young girl growing up in Faughart in Co. Louth she practised the Christian values of charity and compassion. She gave away her few possessions to the hungry and the sick and angered her father when she gave his jewel encrusted sword, one of his most prized possessions, to a beggar. St. Brigid often gave away the families store of dairy products to feeds the starving. On one occasion she gave away all their butter to a poor child but miraculously the butter was replenished. Dairy products of butter and cheese are our second symbol and they represent the compassionate and charitable nature of St Brigid.

Brigid took religious vows as a young woman and founded a monastery in Kildare. She was an extremely effective evangelizer and travelled through much of the country spreading and reinforcing the Christian faith that St. Patrick had established. St. Brigid used a simple cross made from rushes to help explain to the ordinary people, and to their Chieftains, the salvation Jesus won for us on the cross. These simple crosses could be left in the dwelling places of the people to remind them of what she had told them. Our next symbol is a St. Brigid’s cross to remind us of the work she did to establish the faith in Ireland.

Along with her charitable and evangelical work St. Brigid is renowned for her powers of healing. People would often leave strips of cloth outside their dwelling places for Brigid to bless as she passed by. These cloths were said to have healing powers and they were used to comfort the sick. St. Brigid and her religious companions took care of the sick who had no one else to look after them and she had great compassion for those who were suffering. A piece of cloth will now be brought forward as a symbol of St. Brigid’s healing ministry.

Because of her deep faith, evangelical zeal and compassion St. Brigid achieved great authority and influence during her lifetime. St. Brigid is often depicted in paintings and in stained-glass windows carrying a shepherd’s crook which is a symbol of spiritual leadership and authority in the Church. A representation of a shepherd’s crook will now be brought forward as our final symbol to signify the importance of St. Brigid and the effect that she had on the Christian faith in Ireland. Her influence is still felt today, and her intercession is still invoked to provide guidance to the Irish Church in these times of difficulty and challenge.

SPRINKLING RITE

Celebrant: Dear brothers and sisters, let us praise the Lord our God for this water he has created, and which will be sprinkled on us as a memorial of our Baptism. May he help us by his grace to remain faithful to the Spirit we have received.

All: Amen.

Celebrant: Father, God of mercy, through these waters of baptism you have filled us with new life as your very own children. From all who are baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, you have formed one people, united in your Son Jesus Christ.

You have set us free and filled our hearts with the Spirit of your love, that we may live in your peace.

Like the call that you gave to blessed St. Brigid you call on all those who have been baptized to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ to people everywhere. We pray, by the mystery of this consecrated water remind us of our new and spiritual birth in baptism. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

After sprinkling (at the chair):

Celebrant: May almighty God cleanse us of our sins, and through the eucharist we celebrate make us worthy to sit at his table in his heavenly kingdom.

All: Amen.

The Gloria follows, and then the Collect

MASS READINGS FOR ST. BRIGID’S DAY 2024

First Reading: Job 31:16-20,24-25,31-32

Have I been insensible to the needs of the poor?

Have I been insensible to poor men’s needs, or let a widow’s eyes grow dim? Or taken my share of bread alone, not giving a share to the orphan?

I, whom God has fostered father-like, from childhood, and guided since I left my mother’s womb. Have I ever seen a wretch in need of clothing, or a beggar going naked, without his having cause to bless me from his heart, as he felt the warmth of the fleece from my lambs?

Have I put all my trust in gold, from finest gold sought my security? Have I ever gloated over my great wealth, or the riches that my hands have won?

The people of my tent, did they not say, ‘Is there a man he has not filled with meat’? No stranger ever had to sleep outside, my door was always open to the traveller.

Psalm 106 (107)

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end.

The Lord changes desert into streams, thirsty ground into springs of water. There he settles the hungry and they build a city to dwell in.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end.

They sow fields and plant their vines; these yield crops for the harvest.

He blesses them; they grow in numbers.

He does not let their herds decrease.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end.

But he raises the needy from distress; makes families numerous as a flock. The upright see it and rejoice but all who do wrong are silenced.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love has no end.

Gospel Acclamation, 1 John 4:12

Alleluia, alleluia!

As long as we love one another, God will live in us and his love will be complete in us.

Alleluia!

Gospel, Luke 6:32-38

Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Ps 106 (107):35-38, 41-42. R/. v. 1

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.’

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

Introduction

Today as we commence the 1500^th jubilee celebrations in honour of St. Brigid we ask the help of God in the name of St. Brigid, Mary of the Irish, whom he gave to us as patron and intercessor.

Intentions

For Pope Francis and for all Bishops: that they may preach the Gospel with sincerity and conviction. Lord hear us

For Christians everywhere: that they may live up to their calling as disciples of Christ in the world. Lord hear us

In this year of prayer and celebration in honour of St. Brigid may God stir up in our hearts the passion and zeal for Christ that she showed in her heart and use it for the good of the Church. Lord hear us

For those who suffer from any illness of mind or body, and for those who care for them. May we reflect St. Brigid’s way of life in our own, exercising charity, love and mercy towards all. Lord hear us

We pray for the Church here in Faughart parish and in the Archdiocese of Armagh. That we may honour the Christian heritage and legacy which Brigid has left us and foster a deep love for it.

Lord hear us

For all our departed relatives and friends who were marked with the sign of Christ’s cross at baptism: may they now share his glory in heaven.

Lord hear us

Concluding Prayer

Almighty and ever living God, strengthen our faith, hope and love. May we do with loving hearts what you ask of us, just as St. Brigid did, and come to share in the life you promise. We ask this through Christ our Lord

POST COMMUNION REFLECTION

“Poem in Honour of St Brigid”

by Brigid Claire

Her habit is a dancing dress, her prayer beads, tinkling bells. She settles in the sun’s caress, and drinks from ancient wells.

Her abbey is a grove of oak, deep in a forest glen.

From here the Winds of Wisdom spoke, from here She’ll speak again.

Her bread’s a hearty cake of oat, Her wine’s a honey meade. She gives away her shoes and coat, the hungry she must feed.

Her altar is a peasant’s heart, draped in Love’s linen, fair. The Queen of Heaven, Prince of Peace, and angels meet her there.

Her mantle is the meadow green, all creatures are her friends. Those once forgotten, now are seen, their brokenness she mends.

Her sacred well’s a lake of ale, with roses all around. Her faith, a currach setting sail, her soul is Holy Ground.

Her crozier is a wand of light, her mitre; made of fire. The Shepherdess of good and right, compassion and desire.

Her smile’s a message from God’s heart, a Love that knows no end.

Dear Brigid, Saint of Faughart, For each, a Souls – best Friend.

EVENING PRAYER WITH SERVICE OF LIGHT: FEAST OF SAINT BRIGID, 1^ST FEBRUARY 2024

Opening Hymn: While the opening hymn is sung a candle is lit as a sign of the light of Christ that never fades.

Invitatory:

The Priest/Presider may briefly introduce evening prayer with the Prayer to Saint Brigid and allow a brief silence after this before the service of light.

Lord, open our lips.

And we shall praise your name.

Prayer to Saint Brigid

Brigid, You were a woman of peace.

You brought harmony where there was conflict. You brought light to the darkness. you brought hope to the downcast. In this jubilee year may the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.

Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made. Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary. Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit. R. Amen

The candle is blessed by the priest (if present) and if the parish wishes participants can bring their own candles which can be lit from the main candle.

Priest: We call upon the Lord, who has made heaven and earth to come upon us and upon this candle, a blessed candle dedicated to St. Brigid.

May we, with pure minds, just like St. Brigid come to You, the Light that does not fail, through Christ our Lord. R. Amen

PSALMODY

Psalm: 121 (122)

Jerusalem, the holy city

“You have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22).

I will keep myself chaste for you. I will meet you, the bridegroom, carrying a brightly shining lamp.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: *

‘Let us go to God’s house.’ And now our feet are standing * within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city * strongly compact.

It is there that the tribes go up, * the tribes of the Lord.

For Israel’s law it is, * there to praise the Lord’s name.

There were set the thrones of judgement * of the house of David.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray: * ‘Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, * in your palaces, peace!’

For love of my brethren and friends *

I say: ‘Peace upon you!’

For love of the house of the Lord * I will ask for your good.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I will keep myself chaste for you. I will meet you, the bridegroom, carrying a brightly shining lamp.

Psalm-Prayer Please stand. (Allow a brief pause for personal reflection.)

Leader: Let us pray.

When you rose from the dead, Lord Jesus, you formed the Church into your new body and made of her the new Jerusalem, united in your Spirit. Give us peace in our day. Make all nations come to your Church to share your gifts in fellowship, that they may render You thanks without end and come to your eternal city.

All: Amen

Please be seated. Allow a brief period of silence before the Reading begins.

Canticle: Ephesians 1 God the Saviour My firm hope will not be moved; it is based on Christ like a house on a rock.

Blessed be the God and Father * of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ * with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

He chose us in him *

before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy * and blameless before him.

He destined us in love * to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, † to the praise of his glorious grace * which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

In him we have redemption through his blood, *

the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace * which he lavished upon us.

He chose us in him *

before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy * and blameless before him.

He destined us in love * to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, † to the praise of his glorious grace * which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

In him we have redemption through his blood, *

the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace * which he lavished upon us.

He has made known to us † in all wisdom and insight * the mystery of his will, according to his purpose * which he set forth in Christ.

His purpose he set forth in Christ * as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, * things in heaven and things on earth.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

WORD OF GOD

Depending on the setting, the reading may be proclaimed from the Ambo, or from the reader’s place. Choose a brief reading which may come from the Liturgy of the Hours for the day and hour.

Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 7:32,34

An unmarried man can devote himself to the Lord’s affairs, all he need worry about is pleasing the Lord. In the same way an unmarried woman, like a young girl, can devote herself to the Lord’s affairs; all she need worry about is being holy in body and spirit.

The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God.

Short Responsory

The virgins come before the king. They sing for joy.

The virgins come before the king. They sing for joy. They are led into the temple of the king.
The virgins come before the king. They sing for joy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

The virgins come before the king. They sing for joy.

Allow a time of silence for personal reflection. If appropriate people could share their reflections.

PRAISE AND INTERCESSION

Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) Please Stand

All make the sign of the cross as the first line of the Canticle is prayed. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Intercessions

Leader: The light shines out in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Let us thank our Lord for bringing God’s light to our lives.

All: Lord Jesus Christ, you are our light.

Word of God, you have brought the light of eternity to the darkened world: may it open the minds and hearts of all baptised. R.

Show your care for all who dedicate their lives to the service of others: may your grace inspire their actions and sustain them to the end. R.

Lord, you healed the paralytic and forgave him his sins: pardon all our guilt, and heal the wounds of our sins. R.

People follow the light to new knowledge and discovery: may they use your gifts to serve the whole human family, and so give glory to you. R.

Lead the dead from darkness into your own wonderful light; in your mercy show them the radiance of your glory. R. Pause for spontaneous prayers.

Lord’s Prayer

Leader: As sons and daughters of a loving God, we pray in the confident words of his Son:

All: Our Father …

CONCLUDING RITE

Concluding Prayer

Leader: Listen favourably to our evening prayer, Lord, and grant that as we

follow your Son’s example, we may, by perseverance, yield a harvest of good works. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Blessing

A blessing may conclude the liturgy. Leader: May the Lord bless us protect us from evil

and bring us to everlasting life.

All: Amen.

Closing Hymn

BLESSINGS AND PRAYERS FOR SAINT BRIGID’S DAY

Blessing of Saint Brigid’s Crosses

Father of all creation and Lord of Light, you have given us life and entrusted your creation to us to use it and to care for it. We ask you to bless these crosses made of green rushes in memory of holy Brigid, who used the cross to recall and to teach your Son’s life, death and resurrection.

May these crosses be a sign of our sharing in the Paschal Mystery of your Son and a sign of your protection of our lives, our land and its creatures through Brigid’s intercession during the coming year and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

The crosses are sprinkled with holy water:

May the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be on these crosses and on the places where they hang and on everyone who looks at them. Amen. Saint Brigid’s Blessing

May Brigid bless the house wherein we dwell.

Bless every fireside, every wall and door.

Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.

Bless every hand that toils to bring its joy.

Bless every foot that walks portals through.

May Brigid bless the house that shelters us. Prayer to Saint Brigid

You were a woman of peace.

You brought harmony where there was conflict.

You brought light to the darkness.

You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.

Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.

Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.

Strengthen what is weak within us.

Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit.

Amen

NOVENA TO SAINT BRIGID

Day 1

Today we pray for all people of the Archdiocese of Armagh, we pray that God will guide us as we journey through this year of 1,500^th Anniversary Year celebrating the life and legacy of St. Brigid.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

St. Brigid pray that we will place our trust in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to guide and enlighten us as we discern Gods call for us in our lives and the life of your Church. We pray that like you we will look after the poor, the sick and all those in great need. We pray for peace in our world, country, homes and hearts. Amen.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

We Pray to better understand our calling as your people. Help us to be eager and courageous witnesses to the joy of the Gospel by the lives we live and the service we give. As we pray may we become ever more aware of your Spirit as our guide, comforter and inspiration so that our future plans and actions truly lead to everyone coming to know the joy of a personal encounter with You.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

We join our prayers to those who by their compassionate love, teaching and witness have shared the gift of faith with us as we ask the Saints of Armagh to walk with us and help light the path as we continue our pilgrim journey.

St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Malachy, St. Oliver Plunkett pray for us.

Naomh Mhuire, Máthair Dé, Guí Orainn

Amen (Anne Coyle)

Day 2

Today we pray for peace and reconciliation in our world, country, diocese, homes and hearts.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Malachy, St. Oliver Plunkett pray for us.

Naomh Mhuire, Máthair Dé, Guí Orainn

Amen (Anne Coyle) Today we pray for our brothers and sisters who find themselves in need, we pray for the poor, the homeless and all who have fled their own countries looking for a new life.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Malachy, St. Oliver Plunkett pray for us.

Naomh Mhuire, Máthair Dé, Guí Orainn

Amen (Anne Coyle)

Day 4

Today we pray for our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who are searching for meaning in their lives. We pray for all who have lost hope, the lonely and especially for the vulnerable people in our communities who are feeling suicidal.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Malachy, St. Oliver Plunkett pray for us.

Naomh Mhuire, Máthair Dé, Guí Orainn

Amen (Anne Coyle) Today we pray for all who are sick and those in our communities who are dying.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Malachy, St. Oliver Plunkett pray for us.

Naomh Mhuire, Máthair Dé, Guí Orainn

Amen (Anne Coyle)

Today we pray for our young people, that God will fill them with great hope, joy and courage in proclaiming the Good News.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

We join our prayers to those who by their compassionate love, teaching and witness have the path as we continue our pilgrim journey.

Today we pray for all World Leaders and those in our own Country who are responsible for making important decisions that affect the most vulnerable in our society.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

We join our prayers to those who by their compassionate love, teaching and witness have the path as we continue our pilgrim journey.

Today we pray through the intercession of St. Brigid, that the local church may bear Witness to Christ through our fidelity, truth and charity.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

We join our prayers to those who by their compassionate love, teaching and witness have the path as we continue our pilgrim journey.

Today we pray for all baptised Christians throughout the World, that we may have the courage to follow the call of God in our lives today and to become his intentional disciples.

Novena Prayer

O Glorious St. Brigid,

Patroness of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh,

We pray for your intercession as we in the Archdiocese of Armagh embark on this year of celebration of your life and legacy over the past 1,500 years.

[Mention your personal petition here…]

St. Brigid of Armagh, Pray for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit………

Today we pray the Rosary of the day

Concluding prayer

God our Father,

Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.

May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in You our trust.

May we listen to Your voice.

May we come to know Your will.

And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under Your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building Your Kingdom.

We join our prayers to those who by their compassionate love, teaching and witness have the path as we continue our pilgrim journey.