February 1 St. Brigid of Kildare

Patron Saint of Cows (and numerous other things, including Ireland)

St. Brigid began life as the daughter of the pagan king Dubhthach and a slave. She was named after the pagan goddess of Fire, which represented knowledge through music and poetry. After spending much time giving away her father’s cows, milk and swords to the poor and infirmed, it was decided she would be better suited to life as a nun. When she received her vows (depending on which legend you choose to believe) she was ordained as a man by accident. She maintained administrative rights equal to a bishop until the Synod of Kells in 1152. She made the progressive decision to found a dual monastery for both men and women at the pagan strong hold of Kildare, Ireland. A radical woman who can hold her own besides St. Patrick as Patron Saint of Ireland.