Candlelit Brigid procession returns to Louth with ‘bigger and better’ celebration

Following on from a very successful procession last year, Faughart Community Group have announced details of their upcoming celebration on Saturday 31st Jan. (Bank Holiday Weekend). This exceptional event promises to be even bigger and better than last year and it is an ideal opportunity for people, both young and old, to immerse themselves in a unique experience. 

This experiential event is an ancient style candlelit procession which will be led by female robed figures carrying a representation of Brigid followed by a lone drummer who will lead everyone from St. Brigid’s Shrine to Faughart graveyard in Louth. There will be a limited number of procession candles and lanterns handed out to children free of charge so please bring your own candle or lantern if you have one.

This event is for people of all religions and none. The walk from the shrine to the graveyard will be an opportunity to remember those that have gone before us or maybe a time to reflect on our busy lives or on the life of Brigid or maybe just a time to have a bit of craic with your companions; it’s up to you! Local school children will follow the drummer up to the Hill of Faughart where they will be greeted by fire on the motte and candlelit ruins in the ancient graveyard with Georgian chant and incense floating in the air. 

Faughart Community Group said: "Brigid’s Holy Well and birthplace is on the site of Faughart graveyard and the idea of this procession is to go back to where her light began to shine first before it radiated throughout the world. It is also to celebrate the four aspects of Brigid: Brigid the Saint, Brigid the Goddess, Brigid the Woman and Brigid the Local. This extraordinary Local woman who has become Ireland’s Matron Saint, is an iconic figure who should be an inspiration to all women; this woman was born here and we should all be immensely proud of her."

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Standing in the ancient graveyard, surrounded by candle light, students from Fatima, Kilcurry and Faughart national schools will speak about what Brigid means to them. This year, they also hope to have students from across the border. Finally, an uileann piper will conclude their atmospheric celebrations.

Faughart Community Group would like to thank Louth County Council for their generous financial support of this unique event which has now become an annual tradition where friends from near and far and neighbours come to celebrate an incredible local woman. They encourage all locals to take part and don’t forget to come prepared for all weather conditions. It’s approximately a 1km walk. See you at St. Brigid’s Shrine Saturday 31st Jan, 6:30pm. 

Anyone who would like to help with this wonderful event please contact Faughart Community Alert Facebook Page or text 086 087 9979.