Healing light shines on Sean Ross

Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea was one of several iconic landmarks across Ireland to be bathed in light in celebrations of St Brigid's Day.

The ‘Herstory Light Show’ took place across the country on Sunday and Monday last in honour of the victims of mother and baby homes, as well as coronavirus heroines and heroes, Black Lives Matter, Women who have Arrived, and Brigids of the World. The event was organised by Herstory, a recently-founded women's equality movement telling the stories of modern, historic, and mythic women.

The first day of February marked the beginning of spring and the Celtic festival of Imbolc, once honoured as the feast of the goddess. Herstory is calling on the Irish public and our diaspora to sign a petition to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday and celebrate Ireland’s triple goddess and matron saint Brigid equally to our world -renowned patron saint, Patrick.

Sean Ross was illuminated in honour of the mothers and children who suffered at the mother and baby home there. The lights featured portraits of the survivors, powerful haiku poetry and thought-provoking art.

“Women's achievements and struggles have been lost in the shadows for too long, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women's rights,” said Melanie Lynch, Founder of Herstory.

“That's why Herstory is harnessing the alchemical power of light, to celebrate women and equality, spotlight inequality, and create visions for a World of Equals.”