On Monday 7th September, 2015 twenty four Sisters from different parts of the Southern Province set off to Kildare on a pilgrimage to the Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages. The outing was organised by the Interconnectedness group. This new state of the art Spirituality centre was recently opened by the Brigidine Sisters as a centre for Celtic Spirituality but, of course, with a special emphasis on the Spirit of St. Brigid of Kildare, who we all know as Patroness of Ireland.
We arrived at 12 noon, and were warmly welcomed in the foyer of the building by the three Sisters who minister there: Mary, Phil, and Rita. The building itself is in the shape of St. Brigid’s cross, and the foyer is at the centre, with the four arms of the cross leading off of it. We were led to the Hospitality Room (Cafe), where we were served a delicious lunch of soup, sandwiches, tea and biscuits. This gave practical expression to the way the Sisters try to live. They give expression to the Spirit of Brigid, whose hospitality was inspirational – “What’s mine is theirs”, was her saying.
Reflecting in Brigid’s Room
After lunch we went to Brigid’s Room, which was circular in shape, the ceiling of which was decorated in the shape of St Brigid’s Cross. The centre piece on the floor was a light symbolising the fire of Brigid, and surrounded by rushes and oak leaves. We were led in prayer and were blessed with water from the Healing Well.
Blessing with water from the well
From there we went to the Prayer-room, lit with three lovely lamps and soft furnishings. The ‘non-denominational’ emphasis, in this room, gives expression to the fact that the centre welcomes people of all faith traditions and none. There we saw a copy of the Icon of St. Brigid by our Sr. Aloysius McVeigh RIP. The real icon is on display in the Parish Church, which we got an opportunity to visit later in the day. The final room in the centre we saw is known as the Kildare Room, and this is also a large circular room.
The design of the whole centre is based on ecological concerns. So for example, solar panels heat water, while the heating comes from a geothermal system with Ice Sticks being an integral part of it!
St. Brigid blesses the land and its people
Out in the garden we were shown a life-size bronze statue of St. Brigid, blessing the land and the people. This was a gift from an admirer of St. Brigid in Chicago and it is truly magnificent.
The three hermitages – Faith, Hope and Love – provide an opportunity for pilgrims to stay and experience solitude and quiet in a nurturing atmosphere. These lovely buildings appeared comfortable yet simply decorated furnished.
Our next stop was St. Brigid’s well—another wonderful and peaceful place, with a little bridge at its entrance. We crossed this bridge mindfully, listening to “Ceol na cruinne”, and we were greeted by another bronze statue of St. Brigid, this time holding a flame and a crozier.
Crossing mindfully
Here the Sisters facilitated a lovely meaningful ritual around five successive stones. We gathered around each one in a circle, and were led in prayer, with a different theme each time.
In Prayer
The final stone was dedicated to Our Lady, where we sang “A Mhuire Mhathair”, since St. Brigid is also known as “Muire na nGael”.
Thomas Berry Oak Tree
Here also is planted an oak tree in honour of Thomas Berry whose dedication to a new vision — a new story for our times — has been an inspiration to the interconnectedness group since its beginnings.
The Sisters vision is to unfold the legacy of St. Brigid of Kildare, and bring to life the increasing relevance of such a vision for our world. At the heart of this legacy and the mission of the Sisters is to create an environment where right relationships with self, others, the earth/cosmos and God are nurtured.
Resting at the well
Mary McAuliffe rsm, Collette O’Connell rsm & Genevieve O’Keeffe rsm
Southern Province
