Íte of Killeedy
Íte of Killeedy, also known as Ita, was an early Irish nun and patron saint of Killeedy, renowned as the "foster mother of the saints of Erin." She is celebrated for her saintly qualities, wisdom, purity, and her dedication to a consecrated life, rejecting prestigious marriage for religious devotion. Ita is primarily remembered for founding a community of nuns at Killeedy and for her spiritual guidance, notably to Saint Brendan.
- Feast Day
- 15 January
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Ireland
Key Facts
- ›Íte of Killeedy died sometime around 570–577 AD.
- ›She was born in 480 in County Waterford, Ireland.
- ›Ita founded a community of nuns at Killeedy (Cluain Creadhail) in County Limerick.
- ›She is known as the "foster mother of the saints of Erin" and the "Brigid of Munster."
- ›Saint Brendan the Navigator was a pupil of Íte and sought her counsel.
- ›Her feast day is celebrated on 15 January.
Íde, Ita, Ida, Ides, Deirdre
Killeedy, Pregnancy, Eye Illnesses
About Íte of Killeedy
Íte ingen Chinn Fhalad (died c. 570–577), also known as Íde, Ita, Ida, or Ides, was an influential early Irish nun and the patron saint of Killeedy (Cluain Creadhail). She is famously known as the "foster mother of the saints of Erin" and was conferred the name "Ita," meaning "thirst for holiness," due to her profound saintly qualities.
Life and Historical Context
Born in 480 in present-day County Waterford, Ita's father was Cennfoelad and her mother was Necta. She was baptized as Deirdre and grew up near Drum, County Waterford. Ita was said to embody the six virtues of Irish womanhood: wisdom, purity, beauty, musical ability, gentle speech, and needle skills. Rejecting a prestigious marriage, she dedicated her life as a consecrated woman religious.
At sixteen, she moved to Cluain Creadhail, now known as Killeedy in County Limerick, where she founded a small community of nuns. Bishop Declan of Ardmore conferred the veil upon her. Legend states she was guided to Killeedy by three heavenly lights. Her sister Fiona also joined her community. Ita displayed a strongly individualistic character, accepting only four acres of land offered by a chieftain for her convent, which she cultivated intensively.
Her community appears to have hosted a school for young boys, teaching them faith, purity, simplicity, religion, generosity, and love. Among her pupils was Saint Brendan, whom Bishop Erc entrusted to Ita's care. Brendan later visited her between voyages and always deferred to her counsel, seeking her wisdom on matters of faith and divine preference.
Spiritual Contributions and Veneration
Íte dedicated herself to prayer, fasting, simplicity, and spiritual discernment, possessing a gift for prophecy. She was held in great veneration by numerous contemporary saints and was highly sought after as a spiritual director. During this era, the Celtic Church recognized and encouraged spiritual leadership in women, and Ita may have led a double monastery of men and women.
Her legend emphasizes austerity and records numerous miracles. She is also credited with originating an Irish lullaby for the infant Jesus. Ita is believed to have suffered from a severe illness, possibly cancer, enduring her trials with faith and patience. Before her death, she invoked heaven's blessing upon the clergy and laity of the Kileedy district.
Her grave is located at Cill Ide, a Romanesque church at Killeedy, where her monastery once stood before being destroyed by Viking invaders. A holy well nearby, known locally as Tobar Bhaile Ui MhÈidÌn or "My Little Ita's Well," was historically believed to cure smallpox and other diseases.
Patronage and Legacy
Saint Ita is the patron saint of Killeedy and, along with Saint Munchin, co-patron of the Diocese of Limerick. She is also invoked as an intercessor for pregnancy and eye illnesses. An association football club in Killeedy bears her name, and the village of Kilmeedy in County Limerick also has historical links to her. Her feast day is 15 January, celebrated in the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saint Ita live?
Saint Ita lived in the 6th century, with her death occurring around 570–577 AD. She was born in 480 AD.
What is Saint Ita known for?
She is known as the "foster mother of the saints of Erin" and the "Brigid of Munster." Ita founded a community of nuns at Killeedy and was a respected spiritual advisor, notably to Saint Brendan the Navigator.
Where is Saint Ita associated with?
Saint Ita is the patron saint of Killeedy in County Limerick, Ireland, where she founded her monastery. Her birth also occurred in County Waterford.
What are Saint Ita's patronages?
She is the patron saint of Killeedy and co-patron of the Diocese of Limerick. She is also considered a good intercessor for issues related to pregnancy and eye illnesses.
When is Saint Ita's feast day?
Saint Ita's feast day is celebrated on 15 January. This observance is kept as an optional memorial in Ireland and is also celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Related Saints
Clare of Assisi
Clare of Assisi was an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition characterized by strict poverty. She is chiefly remembered for establishing this order, which was later renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare (the Poor Clares), and for writing its Rule of Life, the first known set of monastic guidelines written by a woman.
Paul of Thebes
Paul of Thebes, also known as Paul the First Hermit, was an Egyptian saint recognized as the first Christian hermit. He is venerated for his devout life spent in solitude in the desert of Thebes, from a young age until his death.
Dominic of Silos
Dominic of Silos was a Spanish Benedictine monk and abbot who lived from 1000 to 1073. He is revered as a saint in the Catholic Church, primarily remembered for rebuilding the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos and for his works of healing and charity. His patronage is connected with pregnancy and he is the patron saint of prisoners, pregnant women, and shepherds.