New Listings: The Saints of February and St. Brigid of Kildare
It's double Brigid this month in the shop! Plus this month's coupon code.
Saint Brigid of Kildare is one of Ireland's most cherished and iconic figures, often hailed as the female patron saint of Ireland alongside Saint Patrick. Born in the mid-fifth century, Brigid's life is a tapestry of miracles and acts of kindness that resonate deeply with those who admire selfless devotion and compassion.
The story goes that Brigid was born into slavery, the daughter of a Pictish slave and a chieftain named Dubhthach. From a young age, Brigid displayed an extraordinary compassion for the people and animals around her. Legend has it that she could turn water into beer and that her prayers spread her butter so thinly she could feed many from a single block.
Brigid's benevolence knew no bounds. She founded many monasteries, the most famous being in Kildare, on the site of an older pagan shrine to the Celtic goddess Brigid, a goddess after which she was most likely named by her parents, which adds a layer of redemption to her story. This monastery was unique as it was a double monastery, housing both monks and nuns.
Saint Brigid's connection to the natural world was profound. She is often depicted with symbols of life and fertility, such as flames and reeds. She is also credited with the creation of the distinctive Saint Brigid's Cross, woven from rushes.
Brigid passed away on February 1st, around 525 AD, which is now celebrated as Saint Brigid's Day in Ireland and by the Catholic Church around the world. Her legacy as a mother figure, a leader, and a protector continues to inspire people centuries later to promote generosity, peace, and the strength of the human spirit. Her life encourages us to pursue acts of kindness and to uphold the values of community and care for all creation.
Click Here to visit the listing for Saint Brigid of Kildare on my Etsy shop.
I already had a couple of listings of Saints in the shop, but there are so many, and I wanted to have more! So that's what I did. I've always been fascinated by icon paintings. So, I thought I'd try creating some images that were more in keeping with the composition and themes of icons, full of the symbolism surrounding each saint. I’ve just added a set of images of saints whose feast days are in February. Here is a list of the saints included in my new listing “Saints of February.”
Saint Brigid of Kildare: Known for her miraculous powers and charitable deeds, she is the patron of Ireland, dairymaids, cattle, midwives, Irish nuns, and newborns.
Saint Blaise: Famed for healing a boy choking on a fishbone, he is the patron of throat illnesses, animals, wool combers, and wild animals.
Saint Agatha: Celebrated for her resilience and faith during persecution, she is the patron of breast cancer patients, martyrs, wet nurses, and bell-founders.
- Saint Josephine Bakhita: Once enslaved, her journey to freedom and faith inspires many; she is the patron of Sudan and survivors of slavery and human trafficking.
Saint Scholastica: Sister to Saint Benedict, she dedicated her life to God and prayer, and is the patron of nuns, convulsive children, schools, and tests.
Saints Cyril and Methodius: These brothers are credited with creating the Slavic written script, making them patrons of Europe, Slavic peoples, ecumenism, and education.
Saint Valentine: Best known for performing secret marriages, he is the patron of lovers, happy marriages, beekeepers, epilepsy, and against fainting.
Saint Polycarp: The first bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of Saint John the Apostle, he is remembered for his martyrdom and is the patron of earaches, dysentery, and against heresies.
Saint Matthias: Chosen by lot to replace Judas as an apostle, he is the patron of alcoholics, carpenters, tailors, and smallpox.
I love how these images have turned out, and I hope you will, too. I'm planning on releasing a new set of images each month until I've got one set for each month of the year. So, be sure to stay tuned!
Click Here to visit the listing for “Saints of February” on my Etsy Shop.
While you’re at the shop, be sure to take advantage of this month’s coupon code, available to newsletter subscribers like yourself, and get 40% off any order of two or more items! Here’s the coupon code: 40PERCENTFEB2025
You can also click on this link to automatically apply the coupon to your purchase.
May your heart be light and full of joy this month. Next month's update will include a new set of saints for the month of March and some news about listings for Lent.
The Lord be with you!