Ireland is an island of saints.
Of course, there are the ones we all know about, such as St. Patrick and St. Brigid, but it’s time to get to know some of Ireland’s lesser known saints and their powerful witnesses!
Today, let’s journey back to the heart of 6th-century Ireland, where we’ll meet St. Ita.
St. Ita earned her place in history not only for her deep faith but for her role in nurturing future saints. Ita was born in County Waterford around the year 475, into a noble family. Though she had many opportunities for an easy life, she chose the narrow path, dedicating herself to God. Against the wishes of her family, Ita turned down marriage and decided to pursue a life of prayer and service. She settled in Killeedy, in what is now County Limerick, and founded a small religious community. It was here that her reputation as a wise and holy woman began to draw attention.
One day, a mother approached Ita, seeking her help. The woman’s young son, Brendan, was precocious and curious, full of questions about the mysteries of the world. Sensing a divine calling in the boy’s future, the mother entrusted him to Ita’s care, confident that her wisdom and faith could guide him.
Ita took Brendan under her wing, teaching him not only the essentials of faith but also the practical virtues of humility, courage, and trust in God. According to tradition, Ita believed three things were most pleasing to God: faith in the Trinity, a pure heart, and a spirit of charity. She instilled these values in Brendan, shaping his character and preparing him for the extraordinary life he would later lead.
Through Ita’s witness, Brendan grew in holiness–in fact, he is now known as St. Brendan the Navigator, one of Ireland’s most celebrated monastic missionaries.
The bond between Ita and Brendan became legendary. It is said that even after Brendan grew up and began his famous voyages across the seas, he often sought advice and prayer from his beloved foster mother.
This relationship between Ita and Brendan epitomizes her title as the “Foster Mother of Saints.” She didn’t just educate her students—she nurtured their souls, encouraging them to grow into the fullness of their callings.
St. Ita passed away on January 15, 570, and her feast day is celebrated on that date (today!).
Celebrate St. Ita, St. Brendan, and the many other saints of Ireland with this stunning Genuine Connemara Marble Irish Rosary. Its natural range of green marble beads, cut from marble from Ireland’s rugged coastlines, will inspire you to holiness–like many Irish men and women of history! Plus, one of the most important tools for your own journey to sainthood is a Rosary! Order this beautiful rosary today and join the Irish saints in holiness!
