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BRIGIDINE TRADITION

Saint Brigid

Aloysius McVeigh rsm

Patron Saint of the Brigidine Sisters

Brigid was born in Ireland around 453, eight years before St Patrick's death and in a time when Ireland was embracing Christianity.

Tradition holds that she was born near Kildare, the place where she eventually established a monastery. She was fearless in defending the rights of the poor against power and greed. Her monastery, at Kildare, (Church or holy place of the oak), built among oak groves, was a self-supporting Christian community and a place of hospitality and learning. In our times many people are inspired by Brigid's story, and admire her as one who championed women, justice and peace. Her feast day is on 1 February, the beginning of Spring in Ireland.

Daniel Delany

Daniel Delany

Founder of the Brigidine Sisters

Daniel Delany was born in Ireland in 1747. In spite of penal rule in Ireland, and the opportunity for a prestigious position in France, he returned to Ireland sometime after being ordained as a priest, to work among his people, until his death in 1814.

He was deeply concerned about the enforced ignorance of many of the people who were also living in very poor circumstances. He saw the need for people to have the rights and benefits of a Christian education, and in 1807 founded the Congregation of Brigidine Sisters and in 1808 the Congregation of Patrician Brothers both in Tullow, County Carlow. They were under the patronage of two great Irish saints - St Patrick and St Brigid. Bishop Daniel Delany was viewed as a true pioneer whose vision provided an educational system based on equality, freedom of religious expression and opportunity for all.

Australian Brigidine Schools

With the advent of 'free, secular and compulsory education' in Australia in the 1880's, the Australian bishops initiated the beginnings of a Catholic education system. The first schools were largely founded and staffed by Irish women and men religious. The first Brigidine foundation was established in Coonamble (NSW) in 1883. Echuca, founded in 1886, was the first Victorian school. Kilbreda was founded from Echuca, in 1904.

In Brigidine schools today the compassion, the strength and kindliness of Brigid and Daniel Delany are still our guiding force. We work to make our schools places of hope for all.

Badge and Motto

School Crest

The badge and motto of Kilbreda are common to all Brigidine schools and Brigidine Sisters throughout the world. "Fortiter et Suaviter" - "Strength and Kindliness" challenges us to be both strong and gentle.

The two crosses found in the badge are the cross of St Brigid, and the large cross of diamonds is taken from the badge of Bishop Daniel Delany the founder of the Congregation of St Brigid in 1807, in Ireland. The cross of St Brigid is based on the simple cross of reeds which tradition says, Brigid used when teaching, healing and blessing. The small burning lamp in the centre of the badge represents the light of Christian faith and learning.

Brigidine Schools (Victorian Province)

  • St Joseph's, Echuca (1886)
  • Marian College , Ararat (1889)
  • Kilbreda College , Mentone (1904)
  • Killester College , Springvale (1955)
  • Clonard College, Geelong West (1956)
  • Marian College , Sunshine West (1958)
  • Kildare College, Holden Hill SA (1966)