Brigid's Flame 2026
A Day of
Cineáltas • Comhbhá • Comhluadar
[Kindness • Compassion • Community]
Saturday 31st January, 2026
Glenstal Abbey, Limerick
Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain & Lucia Guerin
Welcome Under Brigid’s Mantle
As Imbolc approaches — that ancient Celtic threshold between winter and spring — we invite you into a nourishing day carried by the spirit and example of Brigid, flame-keeper, healer, poet, and monastic woman.
As we dreamed this day into being, three words emerged with clarity and gentleness:
cineáltas, comhbhá agus comhluadar
(kindness, compassion, and community).
Moments later, a rainbow arched across the Slieve Felim hills — a quiet blessing affirming these were the qualities Brigid herself wished to guide our gathering.
Walking Brigid’s Monastic Way
Throughout this retreat, we will lean into the monastic rhythm Brigid herself lived by — a way centred on simplicity, presence, and shared humanity.
In her monasteries, daily life unfolded through a sacred rhythm:
gathering together, eating together, praying together, and listening together.
These are the practices that shaped Brigid’s spiritual communities, and they will shape our day as well.
This gentle, spacious rhythm is the container through which we will explore:
- Her stories, myths, and lesser-known teachings
- Her deep connection to the land, language, and the light of Imbolc
- Her devotion to hospitality, healing, and sanctuary
- Her lineage of song, silence, creativity, and spiritual presence
This is not a reenactment of monastic life, but a warm invitation to slip into Brigid’s rhythm — one that nourishes, grounds, and gently awakens the soul.
" [Imbolc] The youngest of the seasons, we pray for new beginnings, new dreams, new possibilities, perhaps, to take a new path in our life's purpose".
... from Sacred Rituals by Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain
What the Day Holds
In community, we will:
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Gather in circle, arriving into presence
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Eat together in simple shared hospitality
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Pray with intention, silence, and sound
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Listen deeply — to story, to language, to one another, and to the inner voice
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Explore the magic of our máthairtheanga, weaving Irish words, chants, and meanings
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Compose and sing chants dedicated to Brigid
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Create a ritual of light as we cross the threshold into Imbolc
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Share in personal reflection, connection, and gentle conversation
No Irish language is needed.
No prior experience with chant or ritual is required.
Only your presence.
This day is ultimately for you — a spacious moment to soften, reconnect, and be held in community.
Meet Your Hosts
Rev. Nóirín Ní Riain PhD
Nóirín Ní Riain, PhD, has had an extraordinary career as Ireland’s Celtic jewel of song and soul. A theologian, musicologist, and recording artist, she has written several books, including her autobiography, Listen with the Ear of the Heart.
Her latest book, Sacred Rituals: An everyday book of prayer was on the best seller list of non-fiction and is now in its second edition. In 2003, she was awarded the first ever doctorate in theology from Mary Immaculate College for her originality in creating a theology of listening, for which she
coined the term theosony – meaning "the sound of God";.
Now in her seventies, Nóirín has recently presented extensively, live and on line on ageing well and its inevitable stage of dying. Her unique approach which embraces the physical, mental and primarily, the spiritual, aspect of the third chapter of life, she will share in depth mingled with joy and fun throughout the day.
An ordained Interfaith minister, alongside celebrating weddings and separation rituals, she offers spiritual mentoring and direction for people worldwide.
https://www.noirin.love/
Lucia Guerin
Lucia is passionate about helping people to find more freedom, balance and peace in their lives. Using the tools of sound, movement, poetry, breathwork and a deep focus on compassionate, non-judgement communication.
Lucia is committed to supporting people to access what is already within you to transform your life and live a life you love.
Lucia has trained and studied with some incredible teachers over the past 15 years, all with the common goal of transformation, an inner and outer journey to find spiritual, physical and emotional freedom.
Lucia combines these unique combination of these skills to offer creative classes, workshops and training events.
You will find more about her work on www.listeningfield.ie.
A Sacred Setting: Glenstal Abbey
Glenstal Abbey offers the perfect home for this gathering: a place where monastic rhythm is still alive, where silence has texture, and where Brigid’s flame feels close.
The land, the stillness, and the atmosphere of prayer will quietly hold us as we journey together.
Join Us Under Brigid’s Mantle
Imbolc is a time of stirring, awakening, and gentle renewal.
We would be honoured to welcome you into this day shaped by Brigid’s monastic rhythm — a rhythm of presence, simplicity, and shared humanity.
Ag tnúth go mór le do láithreacht —
We look forward to your presence and your wisdom among us.
— Nóirín & Lucia
