Mother of the Churches of Erin

Today at Holy Mass, we will have the traditional blessings of Saint Brigid’s crosses. There are still many people here who know how to make the crosses, which are woven out of reeds. Just such a cross is depicted in this image of Saint Brigid.

Patrick Francis Cardinal Moran’s Prayer to Saint Brigid*

O Glorious St. Brigid, Mother of the Churches of Erin, patroness of our missionary race, wherever their lot may be cast, be thou our guide in the paths of virtue, protect us amid temptation, shield us from danger. Preserve to us the heritage of chastity and temperance; keep ever brightly burning on the altar of our hearts the sacred Fire of Faith, Charity, and Hope, that thus we may emulate the ancient piety of Ireland’s children, and the Church of Erin may shine with peerless glory as of old. Thou wert styled by our fathers ” The Mary of Erin,” secure for us by thy prayers the all-powerful protection of the Blessed Virgin, that we may be numbered here among her most fervent clients, and may hereafter merit a place together with Thee and the countless Saints of Ireland, in the ranks of her triumphant children in Paradise. Amen.

*Patrick Francis Cardinal Moran (1830–1911) was Bishop of Ossory before being named Archbishop of Sydney, Australia by Pope Leo XIII in 1884.