Interview With St Brigid
Fr Ralph:
A lot of times when we think of saints we think of them as "old" -- after all they lived hundreds of years ago. But saints began their lives as children, and often we don't know anything about their childhood. But the Patron Saint of our parish, Saint Brigid had quite a reputation as a child. Sure we know that when she grew up she lead a religious movement in Ireland, opened a Convent that offered hospitality to men and women travelers, and she aided in the conversion of many pagans.
But this morning, as we're not only celebrating her feast day but we're also celebrating Catholic School's Week, I though it might be good if we could meet St Brigid when she was a child. So here she is.... Saint Brigid.
Good Morning Saint Brigid.
Saint Brigid: Good morning Father Ralph
And good morning to all of you faithful parishioners of this wonderful parish!
Father Ralph: We all know about what you did as an adult, but I think people here are interested in knowing about your childhood.
Saint Brigid: Well it wasn't easy. People in Ireland were very poor. Often they didn't have enough to eat; they had one set of clothes and if they wore out, they didn't have any other clothes. And perhaps, hardest of all, there was no internet.
Father Ralph: How horrible! But your family was doing OK for itself, wasn't it?
Saint Brigid: We did a little better than others, even though we didn't have internet either. But I felt so sorry for all the poorer people who walked by our house.
Father Ralph: Did your family recognize that you were going to be a saint someday?
Saint Brigid: Actually it was the opposite! I made them so mad. By the time I was a teenager they wanted to get rid of me -- and actually they did by sending me to a convent.
Father Ralph: What did you do that made them mad at you?
Saint Brigid: I always was giving things away to the poor people. At first, I just gave away my things.
Father Ralph: Like what?
Saint Brigid: I had a nice shawl that kept me warm in the winter. But I saw a girl who had clothes with holes in them and she was so cold. So I gave away my shawl. And then I gave away food to hungry people.
Father Ralph: Well we do that too.
Saint Brigid: Not exactly the same way.
Father Ralph: What do you mean?
Saint Brigid: Today you have things like "stop and shop" and "Pathmark". In my day we had to make our food. Do you know how long it takes to make butter?
Father Ralph: No.
Saint Brigid: All day -- that was one of my jobs growing up. I had to churn cream into butter. It took FOREVER! And then I got calluses on my hands from all that churning. But then I saw a poor hungry family and I gave them the butter I made so they could go and sell it and buy some other food. My mom was furious.
Father Ralph: So you gave away something you worked hard it.
Saint Brigid: Yes and I also started giving away other things that belong to my family...my dad's shoes, my aunt's mattress, the silverware....
Father Ralph: No wonder your family was mad at you.
So through all these generations we remember you for your generosity to the poor. That's been a great inspiration for us here in the parish that bears your name.
Saint Brigid: Well that makes me happy. Oh...before I forget...do you have $20 that I could have?
Father Ralph: Let me check....yes I do.
Saint Brigid: : Thanks. (gives it to Joan Echausse, coordinator of Parish Outreach) Use this to feed some people
Father Ralph: Wait-- you just gave my money away!
Saint Brigid: I know, some habits die hard.
And besides, YOU weren't planning to give it away. Somebody has to make things right around here...
