1st February, St. Brigid’s Day is a very important feast day in the school calendar of Holy Family G.N.S. Askea. 5th & 6th classes were very busy throughout the week leading up to 1st – making St. Brigid’s crosses- ‘Cros Bríde’. This is an age old tradition in Ireland, particularly in the diocese of Kildare & Leighlin and one which we have preserved over the years in Holy Family G.N.S.
The project is spearheaded in the school by Mrs. June Farrell, who collects all of the rushes needed to make the crosses. The classes thoroughly enjoy the process of making the crosses and are very proud of their work.
Ladies from ‘Go Léir’, women’s group came to the school during the week and spent a full morning making the crosses.
A number of girls from 6th classes attended all of the masses in Holy Family Church, Askea; Bennekerry and Tinryland on the weekend of 28th /29th January. During the homily, the girls demonstrated the ‘weaving’ process. They sold St. Brigid’s crosses at all the masses, and the sum of €3,615 was raised. Monies raised are going to County Carlow Hospice , Beaumont Hospital and to two past- pupils who will be working with ‘Suas’ in India this summer.
We extend our congratulations and thank you to the girls who made all of the St. Brigid’s crosses and who gave of their time at the weekend. We also wish to thank everyone who contributed so generously to this project- making it a true communal effort.
3rd classes in the school presented the story of St. Brigid in an assembly to the whole school on 1st February. They told the story of Brigid through drama, song, dance, poetry, music, prayer and prose. A number of parents and grandparents joined us on this occasion.
It was fitting that the school’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week incorporated our celebration of St. Brigid’s Day- Lá le Bríde.