At Brigidine College we draw on a deep history of purpose to develop and celebrate women’s ability to make the world a better place through their vision and courage, ‘Strength and Gentleness’ (Fortiter et Suaviter).
Brigidine College has a long and proud Irish heritage. In the early 1800s, when Ireland was characterised by poverty, violence, crime and illiteracy, the Irish Bishop, Daniel Delany, became convinced that the best way forward was to provide basic education to the people of Ireland. He saw women as his allies in this mission and on 1 February, 1807, he founded the Congregation of St Brigid at Tullow, the centre of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, in south-east Ireland.
St Brigid was chosen as the patroness, linking the congregation to the spiritual heritage of St Brigid, Patroness of Ireland, and to the ancient Order of St Brigid of Kildare, which existed in Ireland from the fifth until the sixteenth century when the monasteries were suppressed.
From the beginning, Brigid’s ministry was associated with deeds of hospitality and compassion and, down through the centuries, St Brigid has become a figure of wisdom to the Irish people.
Brigid’s life inspires hope
- in those who yearn for the full equality of men and women in the Church and in society today;
- in those who work to conserve our earth;
- in those who promote peace, justice and reconciliation.
Her warm compassionate heart crossed all divides and reached out to those in need.
The Brigidine symbols, Brigid’s Cross and Lamp, represent the light of faith and learning in the search for truth and justice. The Brigidine Sisters’ focus on “educating in faith and building strong learning communities is seen as a powerful means of social transformation whereby the ideals of peace, freedom and social justice are promoted.”
Our Brigidine College Traditions
Our Brigidine College, founded by the Brigidine Sisters in 1929, seeks to further this Brigidine tradition and ethos by modelling the charism of St Brigid, through the motto: ‘Strength and Gentleness.’
The college provides a holistic education for girls combining the spiritual, pastoral, academic, physical and cultural dimensions of learning.
Today, in the 21st century, Brigidine College follows the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians December 2008 to deliver a modern, highly relevant, education, while honouring and instilling values that are timeless.
