The saint who liked to gather folk round
to hear their stories
and soak up the wisdom of the ancients
With persistence she fought
for a place at the table
and brought her sisters with her
Confounding every obstacle encountered on the way
she held space
widened the circle
kept the fire burning
and still, today
points to the light
as winter gives way to spring
and the light returns
Liz Crumlish, St Brigid’s Day, 2026
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Anna saw
Through her aged eyes she saw
The one who would redeem
Having waited, in hope, for a lifetime
She saw
She praised
She proclaimed
Sharing the hope and the promise
Through the eyes of a woman
The light of the world was revealed
Thanks be to God
