Ballarat gathers to honour St Brigid

A CELEBRATION of Irish culture was held in Ballarat this week, as a large crowd gathered to honour a saint and the women inspired by her example.

Brigid Fest was held at St John of God Hospital on February 1, coinciding with Ireland’s national holiday commemorating St Brigid.

More than 60 people attended the event, enjoying Irish dancing, making Brigid’s crosses and listening to stories of women named after the goddess and saint who went on to thrive throughout Ballarat’s history.

Entertainment: Irish dancers from the O’Shea Ryan Academy of Irish Dance performed at Brigid Fest at St John of God hospital. Photo: SUPPLIED

Ballarat Irish Association vice-president Mary Darcy said events such as Brigid Fest were an important way to highlight the lasting contribution of Irish culture and its descendants to the city.

“We had one story of Brigid Burke,” she said. “Which was an amazing story of someone who lived on five goldfields having children along the way.

“It was also noted that up in St Patrick’s Cathedral, there is a stained-glass window honouring St Brigid, and that particular window was donated by the Loreto sisters in the 1800s in memory of the first bishop of Ballarat.

“It was bringing these stories out into the open, or as we call it, bringing the women out of the shadows and telling their stories.”

Ms Darcy said the influence of both Brigid the goddess and saint remained profound.

Culture: Attendees had the chance to make some of the saint’s famous crosses. Photo: SUPPLIED

“There was a really good address by Margaret Lavery talking about the importance of Brigid and her story in Celtic culture and modern Irish culture,” she said. “She’s been made one of the patron saints of Ireland in recent years, and her feast day in Ireland is a public holiday, so she has gained status in recent times.

“It’s [about] telling the Brigid story and looking at its relevance for our world today. Because of that, it’s honouring those who carry the name, and bringing them out into the open and telling those stories.”

Association president Helen Bath thanked St John of God for hosting and providing catering for the event.

The association is now turning its efforts to St Patrick’s Day. On 15 March, it will host a lunch ahead of Ireland’s biggest day at the Bunch of Grapes hotel.

For more information, phone Ms Darcy on 0407 041 998.