BRIGIDINE BICENTENARY 1807-2007 - ARCHIVE
Heritage and Horizon - Celebrating the Brigidine Story
The Congregation of Saint Brigid was founded on 1st February 1807 by Bishop Daniel Delany in Tullow, Co Carlow, Ireland. At that time in Ireland men, women and children were denied human and religious freedom and were beset by destitution, unrest and crime because of the Penal Laws enforced by the Civil Authority of the time. Bishop Delany took strong decisive action by founding the Sisters of Saint Brigid and the Brothers of St Patrick to address the needs of the people through educational opportunities.
He chose Brigid of Kildare as the patroness of the new congregation of Sisters. Brigid emerges from the countless legends that surround her name as a valiant woman, strong and gracious, a prophetic leader of women and men in the society of 5th century Ireland. Brigid revolutionized the Irish society at the time by establishing religious communities that were centre of prayer and culture, where the arts and crafts of Ireland were fostered.
In keeping with the spirit of Brigid, the sisters adopted the episcopal motto of Bishop Delany: "Fortiter et Suaviter" - "with strength and gentleness".
Brigidine sisters first came to Australia in 1883, establishing a school in Coonamble in New South Wales. The first Victorian foundation was at Echuca in 1886.
Bicentenary Events: February - November 2007
FEBRUARYSunday 4th |
JUNEMonday 18th |
MARCHSunday 18th |
JULYSaturday 21st |
APRILMonday 16th |
AUGUSTFriday 10th - Saturday 11th |
MAYMonday 14th |
NOVEMBERSaturday 10th |