aint Ita of Killeedy is second only to
St. Brigid among the female Saints of Ireland. Nearly everyone knows of St. Patrick, and many are familiar with St. Brigid, St. Columba, and St. Brendan the Navigator. Outside of the 'auld Sod,' except for those of Irish descent, few are aware of one of the more noted of Irish saints.
St. Ita born to a chieftain and a princess
St. Ita was of royal lineage. She was born around the year 470 near Fathlegg outside Waterford, to Kennfoeladd, a Deise chieftain, and Necta, a princess. By legend, her original name was Deirdre but because of her thirst (iota) for holiness or Divine Love she became known as Ita (also Ida, and Ite.)
Growing up wise, pure, and beautiful
From childhood, Ita exhibited holiness. She often prayed and fasted, and was benevolent and solicitous toward everyone and considerate in her speech. She displayed the six signs of womanhood that the Irish of old looked for in educated women: wisdom, purity, beauty, music, sweet speech, and embroidery.
When she reached the marriageable age, her father wished her to marry a noble young chieftain. After she had fasted for three days, an angel appeared to her father and told him to let her pursue her desire to enter the religious life. He consented to her (and Heaven's) wishes, and Bishop Declan of Ardmore bestowed her veil upon her. The story is that the Devil acknowledged defeat, saying: "Alas Ita, you will free yourself from me and you will also free many others."
St. Ita founds a convent
Accompanied by her sister, Fiona, St. Ita traveled to Hy Conaill in County Limerick to a place called Cluain Creadhail, which some have interpreted to mean "Meadow of Faith," where she founded and became the abbess of a convent that attracted many Irish women to become nuns. It is now called Killeedy or "Ita's Cell."
A legend says she was directed to Killeedy by three heavenly lights; one at the top of the Galtee Mountains, the other on the Mullaghareirk Mountains, and the last at Cluain Creadhail.
S
Saint Ita of Kileedy
Foster Mother of the Saints of Ireland
By Ed Masters
REGINA | 170