| ST. ITA |
| W. H. Grattan-Flood
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| Saint
Ita, called the "Brigid of Munster"; b. in the present County of
Waterford, about 475; d. 15 January, 570. She became a nun, settling down at
Cluain Credhail, a place-name that has ever since been known as Killeedy—that
is, "Church of St. Ita"—in County Limerick. Her austerities are told
by St. Cuimin of Down, and numerous miracles are recorded of her. She was also
endowed with the gift of prophecy and was held in great veneration by a large
number of contemporary saints, men as well as women. When she felt her end
approaching she sent for her community of nuns, and invoked the blessing of
heaven on the clergy and laity of the district around Killeedy. Not alone was
St. Ita a saint, but she was the foster-mother of many saints, including St.
Brendan the Voyager, St. Pulcherius (Mochoemog), and St. Cummian Fada. At the
request of Bishop Butler of Limerick, Pope Pius IX granted a special Office and
Mass for the feast of St. Ita, which is kept on 15 January.
Transcribed by Joseph P. Thomas, In memory of Cecilia La Bombard |
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Provided Courtesy of:
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