RALEIGH – To observe the feast day of St. Brigid, Father Tom Duggan offered Mass Feb.1 at St. Joseph Church. An Irish tea social followed.
St. Brigid is the patron saint of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH). As an organization, its mission is to celebrate Irish heritage and Catholic faith through friendship, unity and Christian charity.
The St. Brigid’s Mass and tea promotes coming together in faith and then sharing in fellowship alongside members of the local Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), a fraternal group.
Debra Foley, a LAOH historian, delivered the first reading and responsorial psalm, and congregants sang the Celtic Alleluia before the Gospel. In his homily, Father Duggan reflected on St. Brigid’s life, emphasizing her extraordinary kindness and generosity—how she often gave away her family's possessions to the poor.
LAOH member Susan Fetics said that the sentiment that particularly resonated with her was Father’s reminder that giving to the poor is giving back what is rightfully theirs.
After the intercessions, Father Tom blessed personal items, including St. Brigid’s crosses, Claddagh rings and necklaces, brought forward by congregants.
A highlight of the Mass was the LAOH ritual of presenting gifts to St. Brigid, during which seven symbolic gifts were brought to the altar, each with a special meaning:
- St. Brigid Statue – Leading the procession, invoking her blessing
- Flags – Representing allegiance to Church, country, and motherland
- Candle – Symbolizing the faith nurtured in Ireland and carried to America
- St. Brigid’s Cross – A traditional symbol of protection and faith
- Food Basket – Representing charity and our commitment to those in need
- Bride’s Brat – A ribbon or linen blessed by St. Brigid, believed to have healing power
- Flowers – The dandelion, known as St. Brigid’s flower, which symbolizes spring and healing
Katherin Godwin served as this year’s reader, announcing the meaning of each gift as it was presented.
The recessional hymn, Let There Be Peace on Earth, concluded the liturgy.
The Mass was primarily celebrated by members, but the LAOH wants all friends to know they are welcome at events, such as Mass on St. Patrick's Day at St Luke Parish at 1 p.m. for the AOH.
“Some of the Mass will be in Gaelic,” said Father Tom, who is an AOH chaplain in Wake County alongside Father Scott McCue. “I have a Gaelic Missal and hope to learn to offer the entire Mass in Gaelic someday.”
The local LAOH group has a Facebook page and email address, raleighlaohinfo@gmail.com, for those wanting to learn more.
Photos
Photos by Chris Cooke
