St. Ita of Killeedy: "Foster Mother of the Saints of Ireland"
After St. Brigid, St. Ita, who was named Deirdre, is the most famous woman saint in Ireland. Her birth of noble Christian parents, Kennfoelad, a Déisà tribe chieftain and Necta his princess wife, is said to have taken place around 470 in Drum, County Waterford, Ireland. From her baptism on, Deirdre was filled with the Holy Spirit. All marveled at her childhood purity and Christian virtues. She was prudent, generous, kind toward everyone, and gentle. As she grew, it became apparent that she wished to devote her life to God. At the age of 16, Deirdre refused an offer of marriage, as she desired to consecrate her virginity to God. Her father refused to let her do this, until an angel reassured him that she would become an advocate for souls. With her father's approval, Deirdre went to an elderly priest she had known from childhood and publicly professed her religious vows. She took the name Ita at this time. Ita then left her father’s house and set out with companions to a pl...