A Great Lake of Beer: St. Brigid’s Feast Day

Today, February 1, is the Feast Day of St. Brigid of Ireland — a saint whose legacy is inseparable from both faith and tradition, and whose name is uniquely entwined with beer.

Our family has long held a particular affection for this great saint. In Ireland, she is revered second only to St. Patrick in popularity.

St. Brigid Statue, Knock Shrine,
County Mayo, Ireland

According to legend, Brigid was once working in a leper colony when the community ran out of beer. In those days, beer was an important source of safe hydration and nourishment, so the shortage was no small matter. Brigid is said to have miraculously transformed her bathwater into beer to sustain the lepers and visiting clerics. In another miracle attributed to the saint, she provided beer to eighteen churches throughout an entire Easter season — all from a single barrel kept in her convent.

Brigid was inspired by the preaching of St. Patrick and, along with him, is recognized as a Patron Saint of Ireland. Throughout her life she was a fierce advocate for the poor. As a young woman she frequently gave away her family’s possessions to those in need, much to their frustration, until she was eventually permitted to enter religious life. Around 470 A.D., she founded Ireland’s first convent, which grew into one of the most important monastic centers in the country.

Ring of Kerry, County Kerry, Ireland

The historical details of St. Brigid’s life are difficult to separate from legend. Many accounts are woven together with miracles and elements of pre-Christian Irish folklore. Even so, her influence is undeniable, and she remains one of the most important figures in Celtic and Irish history.

One prayer attributed to St. Brigid begins, “I’d like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings. I would like to be watching Heaven’s family drinking it through all eternity.” A worthy wish indeed.

St. Patrick and St. Brigid,
The Black Abbey, Kilkenny, Ireland

Today, we’ll raise a toast to St. Brigid — her generosity, her compassion, and her enduring place in Irish tradition. Here’s hoping we all someday glimpse that great lake.

St. Brigid, Ora Pro Nobis!