Taoiseach Supports Kildare Project
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visited Solas Bhríde Centre and Hermitages in Kildare, where he gave his support for the Saint Brigid’s Day "Pause for Peace" movement, an initiative spearheaded by IntoKildare and Solas Bhríde.
"Pause for Peace" will see the residents of County Kildare calling on people all around the world to stop for a minute’s silence at 12.00 noon (local time) on the 1st of February 2023.
While at Solas Bhríde, the Taoiseach took a spark from the Saint Brigid’s flame to light a special candle to mark the global call for peace. The Saint Brigid’s flame was symbolically relit at a justice and peace conference in Kildare Town in 1993 and has been tended by Solas Bhríde for the past 30 years. The flame burns as a beacon of hope, justice and peace for the world.
He then planted an oak tree in reference to the literal meaning of "Cill Dara", "Church of the Oak", as Saint Brigid built her church beneath an oak tree. A new IntoKildare St. Brigid Audio Trail was also unveiled at the Taoiseach’s visit.
The Taoiseach said: "By pausing for peace we are asking people to come together to oppose war and to be inspired by Saint Brigid of Kildare, a peace maker, a protector of the natural world and a formidable force for justice. This year is the first time we will have a public holiday in the name of Saint Brigid on the 6th of February which formally recognises her remarkable legacy."
The attendance included IntoKildare Chairman David Mongey, CEO of IntoKildare Áine Mangan, Sr. Rita Minehan and Geraldine Moore of Solas Bhríde. Also in attendance was the CE of Kildare County Council, Sonya Kavanagh; Paula O’Brien, Brigid 1500; and Martin Heydon T.D.
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