St. Patrick's & St. Brigid's College was founded in 1963.
On the college crest it states 'Laudate Dominium' which translates as 'O praise the Lord' all ye nations; praise him, all ye people' (Psalm 117).
The college's Patron's are St. Patrick and St. Brigid.
St. Patrick
St. Patrick was born in Britain and at the age of 16 was captured by Irish raiders who was then transported to Ireland where he was held captive for six years, living a lonely life as a shepherd. It was then he became a devout Christian.
After 15 years of study, Patrick was ordained as a priest and sent to Ireland. His mission was to minister to Christians and to convert the Irish, then pre-dominantly pagans, to Christianity.
St. Patrick forgave his captors and became part of the community. We recall the transformative power of his great spirit of forgiveness and St. Patrick was strong in the Christian values of courage and service.
Our college celebrates his feast day on 17th March.
St Patrick - Patron Saint Of Ireland - 17th March
Born a Christian.
Son of a deacon/local official .
Didn't pay much attention to his religion when young.
Sixteen years old when kidnapped and taken to Ireland.
Sold to a slave-master called Milchu.
Six years forced labour tending animals on an Irish hillside
Suffered cold, hunger and great loneliness. Began to become more aware of God and to pray. Sometimes prayed through the entire night and so grew in love and reverence for God.
Had two dreams: first, telling him that he would soon go home to his own country; and second, telling him his ship was ready
Believed these were signs from God and ran away from his master.
Finally reunited with his relations in Britain.
Years later, became a priest
In a dream he heard the voice of young Irish people calling him back to walk among them once more.
Made a bishop and sent to Ireland in 432 AD.
Spent over 30 years as a missionary in Ireland
Despite serious difficulties, he achieved much success.
Christianity had arrived in Ireland before Patrick's return. However, Patrick did much to make Ireland a fully Christian island by the end of the fifth century
Wrote his 'Confession' and a letter to the soldier Coroticus
Died c. 461 AD at Saul in County Down
Buried somewhere in Downpatrick, possibly within the grounds of Downpatrick Cathedral
Celtic Prayer
May the eye of God watch over me.
May the footstep of Christ be before me.
May the Spirit of God be within me.
That with my own eye, I may notice who is my neighbour.
That with my own hand, I may help where help is needed.
That with my own ear, I may listen if someone needs to talk.
That with my own mouth I may give thanks to those who help me.
May the eye of God watch over me.
May the footstep of Christ be before me.
May the Spirit of God be within me.
That with my own eye, I may notice what beauty surrounds me.
That with my own hand, I may respect the nature about me.
That with my own ear, I may hear the sounds of creation.
That with my own mouth, I may speak for the world of which I am part.
I bow before the Father who made me, I bow before the Son who saved me, I bow before the Spirit who guides me, In love and adoration. I praise the Blessed Trinity.
Amen
St. Brigid
St. Brigid, 'the Mary of the Gael', as she has been known to generations of Irish people, commands affection and respect.
She is remembered for her courage in the face of adversity and hard work, as a woman of God and a woman of the people.
St. Brigid is often referred to as the saint of agriculture. There are many stories of Brigid's compassion for the poor, her gift of healing and teaching, her generosity and her courage in the face of adversity.
Our college celebrates her feast day on 1 February.
Prayer to St. Brigid
You were a woman of peace.
You brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness.
You brought hope to the downcast.
May the mantle of your peace
cover those who are troubled and anxious,
and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.
Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.
Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.
Strengthen what is weak within us.
Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.
May we grow each day into greater
wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
Amen
