We made fresh butter on the feast of St. Brigid (Feb 1) and the kids LOVED it! They eagerly took turns shaking the jar full of cream, listening and waiting for the sloshing to cease. What does St. Brigid have to do with cows and cream you might ask? Well, along with being one of Ireland's most famous saints, she is patron of midwives, dairy maids, and newborn babies.
I read the story of Brigid and the Butter to the kids while they enjoyed their slices of the freshly buttered bread.
St. Brigid was born into slavery around the year 451. She was taken from her mother at birth, but at the age of ten, rejoined her on the farm working for their master. St. Brigid gave generously. She offered milk and butter to the poor and hungry, even when that meant she and her mother would go without food. Tradition holds that she knew St. Patrick and that he may have baptized her. When she grew up she became a consecrated sister, spreading Christ's love to all in Ireland. She later became an abbess of a monastery in Kildare. St. Brigid is often depicted in artwork holding a woven cross made from reeds which is known as the Cross of St. Brigid.
We own several great saint story books that are all published by Pauline Books and Media. My favorites are The Sword and the Cape, a story about the life of the roman soldier, St. Martin of Tours and The Queen and the Cross which tells the story of how the True Cross was found by the mother of Constantine, St. Helen. It's a great story to read during Lent and on Good Friday to prepare children for the veneration of the Cross at church. I'm hoping to add Patrick and the Fire to our book basket collection as well.
Earlier in the year, I stumbled on a coloring contest featuring St. Brigid. The coloring page was illustrated by catholic artist, Adalee Hude at Brightly Hude Studio. I was thrilled to share this with my girls on her feast day. Adalee's work is beautiful! She just released a children's coloring book of saints that is stunning. I have not found another coloring book of this quality and detail. Her illustration style reminds me of the Czech painter, Alphonse Mucha who was known for his theatrical posters and distinctly stylized paintings of beautiful women with swirling, flowing hair.
St. Brigid, you gave food to someone who was hungry although your stomach was also empty. I want to be generous, too. Pray for me so that, like you, I may do what I can to help others. Help me to care for people in need, even when it isn't easy. Amen.
St. Brigid was born into slavery around the year 451. She was taken from her mother at birth, but at the age of ten, rejoined her on the farm working for their master. St. Brigid gave generously. She offered milk and butter to the poor and hungry, even when that meant she and her mother would go without food. Tradition holds that she knew St. Patrick and that he may have baptized her. When she grew up she became a consecrated sister, spreading Christ's love to all in Ireland. She later became an abbess of a monastery in Kildare. St. Brigid is often depicted in artwork holding a woven cross made from reeds which is known as the Cross of St. Brigid.
We own several great saint story books that are all published by Pauline Books and Media. My favorites are The Sword and the Cape, a story about the life of the roman soldier, St. Martin of Tours and The Queen and the Cross which tells the story of how the True Cross was found by the mother of Constantine, St. Helen. It's a great story to read during Lent and on Good Friday to prepare children for the veneration of the Cross at church. I'm hoping to add Patrick and the Fire to our book basket collection as well.
Earlier in the year, I stumbled on a coloring contest featuring St. Brigid. The coloring page was illustrated by catholic artist, Adalee Hude at Brightly Hude Studio. I was thrilled to share this with my girls on her feast day. Adalee's work is beautiful! She just released a children's coloring book of saints that is stunning. I have not found another coloring book of this quality and detail. Her illustration style reminds me of the Czech painter, Alphonse Mucha who was known for his theatrical posters and distinctly stylized paintings of beautiful women with swirling, flowing hair.
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