February 1st is the Feast of Saint Brigid of Kildare (
Cill Dara, church of the oak), one of Ireland's patron saints.
Known as "the Mary of the Gael", Brigid was born in Faughart/Fochart, north of Dundalk, County Louth to Brocca, a Pictish slave who was baptised by Saint Patrick. Brigid herself was thus born into slavery.
During her childhood, it is said she performed several miracles, such as healing and feeding the poor. One account details how she gave away all of her mother's butter store, only for it to be replaced thanks to Brigid's prayers.
Dubhthach, a chieftain of Leinster, was her father. He grew aggravated with her and took her to the King of Leinster, Crimthann mac Énnai, to sell her. While he was in conversation, Brigid gave away his sword which was adorned with jewelry to a beggar so that he could barter it for food. Crimthann recognised that this was a holy child he had been delivered, and instead convinced Dubhthach to grant her freedom.
