A Community Farm Dedicated to Saint Ita of Killeedy
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
―Galatians 6:2
Summer grass at Saint Patrick Mission.
A Nurturing Holy Mother
We are establishing a community farm to honour Saint Ita of Killeedy († 570 AD), a beloved early Irish saint. She centred her early Irish monastery in Killeedy around a small-scale agricultural and dairy farm, used to feed the poor. Remembered for her nurturing care, she also fostered several young children who later became saints, including Saint Brendan from the age of one. Through Saint Ita’s intercessions, we pray for God’s blessing of wisdom and bounty, so that our farm may nurture our community according to God’s will.
Joy in an Agrarian Lifestyle
The Russian word “mir” refers to a village gathered around a local church or monastery. Historically, mir villages collaboratively ensured that crops were tended, harvested, and carefully prepared for winter. Accordingly, the word “mir” blends connotations of peace, entirety, and faith into a single thought that roughly translates to “happy church community.” With the support of the mission community, we pray that Saint Ita’s farm cultivates a renewal of agrarian teamwork along with faithful affection for God’s creation.
Take a closer look:
The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Ita of Killeedy, hermitess and foster-mother of St. Brendan, on January 15/28.
Troparion — Tone 8
Casting aside thy royal rank, and embracing the godly monastic life, thou didst found a renowned school of piety, wherein thou didst nurture the souls of saints in reverence and the knowledge of God; and having thus labored to please thy Bridegroom and Master, thou hast moved all the land of Erin to cry unto Him: Have pity on us, O Lord of all, and grant that we may ever stand with Ita at Thy right hand!
CC License by Andreas F. Borchert
Kontakion — Tone 2
Having spurned an earthly bridegroom and rejected all worldly wisdom, O venerable mother, by obedience thou didst acquire humility and righteousness, flourishing in the courts of God like a palm-tree, and, filled with the Holy Spirit, thou didst put forth all the virtues like a ripened harvest. Wherefore, we all cry out with gladness: Rejoice, O godly Ita, thou boast of Ireland!