BRIDGET OR BRIGID is one of Ireland's patron saints. She was inspired by the preaching of Saint Patrick from an early age. Despite her father's opposition she was determined to enter monastic life. She had a very generous heart and could never refuse the poor who came to her father's door. People testify to her charity and piety. Brigid is famous for her common sense and most of all her holiness. She is also known as "Mary of Gael". She is the patron saint of babies, blacksmiths, boatmen, farmers, children whose parents are not married, children whose parents are mistreated by the children's fathers, dairy workers, fugitives, infants, mariners, midwives, nuns, poets, printing presses, sailors, scholars, travelers, watermen. Her feast day is February 1.