Blath of Kildare
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Saint Blath of Kildare | |
|---|---|
| Virgin | |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Feast | 29 January |
| Attributes | bread; pitcher of milk; platter of food; bacon |
| Patronage | Cooks; Kildare |
Saint Blath or Blathnait (Latin: Flora) is an Irish saint who served as a lay-sister and cook in Saint Brigid's abbey at Kildare. Her name, Blath, is the Irish word for 'flower.' The Martyrology of Gorman playfully refers to her as 'blooming Blath', thus the Latinized Flora, that Saint Blath is also referred to.[1] Beyond her role as cook and her involvement in one notable miracle associated with Saint Brigid, her recognition mostly stems from her association with Saint Brigid and brief mentions of her in martyrologies and hagiographical texts.[1] Her feast day is January 29.[2]
Historicity relating to her death
Blath is described as a humble handmaid who lived in simple obedience during the fifth or sixth century.[3] Her primary role was that of cook for Saint Brigid's monastic household in Kildare.[3][4][5] While she held a subordinate position within the convent, her fulfillment of ordinary duties earned her a great reputation for sanctity and the respect of her esteemed abbess, Saint Brigid, and the wider community at Kildare.[3][4]
It is famously recorded that "bread and bacon in Brigid's company were better than a banquet elsewhere."[5] This statement, directly mentioning Blath's role as the "lay sister in charge of Brigid's kitchen" who "was a saint, too", highlights the spiritual value placed on the food and service she provided.[5]
Mervyn Archdall, a historian of Irish monasteries, speculated that Saint Blath died in 523, the same year he believed Saint Brigid passed away. However, Archdall provided no specific data to support this date, and it appears to be an assumption based on the year generally associated with Saint Brigid's death.[1][3]
