The only explanation I can think of of why I didn’t go to Kildare before this is that I was saving it to experience with you in 2023! My first trip to Ireland was four years after the publication of Brigid of Ireland and I suppose I was focused on other things, but I’m so excited to correct that error in April of 2023!
We’ll start at the cathedral. If you’re Protestant like me, you may not understand the meaning of cathedral. You may, like me, have thought it referred only to a grand, beautiful church. But actually it refers to the fact that this church is the seat of the bishop of the diocese. Some, like St. Brendan’s Cathedral in Clonfert, County Galway, are quite small.
St. Brigid’s in Kildare is perched on one of the most significant ecclesiastical sites in Ireland and is, of course, associated with St. Brigid. It’s not her church. Hers, made of wood in the 5th century, does not survive. This building was built in the 19th century on the ruins of a church from preNorman times that was destroyed in the 17th century. Some of the ancient structures have been incorporated. But it’s the site that is significant here, much like the church at Saul near Downpatrick that was built in the 20th century but on a site where St. Patrick built a barn, where he worshipped and so had pagans before him. On that site I sensed the Spirit moving and I expect this will be similar.
Inside rests Bishop Wellesley who died in 1539. Wellesley was prior of the Augustinian Abbey of Great Connell, Bishop of Kildare in 1529. The ornamentation of his tomb is something we’ll want to see for ourselves. I’m always in awe of the ancient history and well it’s preserved in Ireland.
Kildare means church of the oak (kil is church and dare is oak). It’s believed that St. Brigid built her church under a massive oak tree. The oak tree was sacred to the druids. Oak is featured in this cathedral. You’ll find solid oak pews. We’ll search for more evidence of the mighty oak represented there as well.
You’ll find a stained glass window featuring the three patron saints of Ireland: Patrick, Brigid, and Columcille (Columba in Latin).
The second highest round tower in Ireland is located nearby as is a high cross and the temple where St. Brigid’s flame burned. Do you know the story of St. Brigid’s perpetual fire? If not, you’ll want to look it up, or better yet, read Brigid of Ireland. In 1993 the flame was relit by the Brigidine sisters. Since then, the Brigidine Sisters in Kildare have tended the flame in their Centre, Solas Bhride.
Solas Bhride is a three minute drive from the market square and the cathedral. It’s a type of retreat center offering a hermitage, a place of quiet reflection for all faiths and those with no faith, and special programs. A visit to their web site told me this center opened in 2015. The mission page revealed a familiar Bible verse:
Stand at the crossroad and look
Learn from the ancient paths
Which was the good way?
Take it!
Jer. 6: 16
From the site: We in Solas Bhride provide a place of welcome, tranquillity and peace where we seek to unfold the legacy of St Brigid and its relevance for our world today.
I’m looking forward to a few hours in Kildare. I hope there’s a spot to purchase a St. Brigid’s cross. The visitor’s center in the square has a gift shop. For those interested in other kinds of shopping, I hear Kildare has outlet shopping. Save room in your suitcases!
