St. Ita Feast Day | Jan. 15

When Deirdre received her father’s blessing to live the life of a Religious, the former noblewoman chose the name “Ita,” from the Irish word “iota” meaning “thirst for holiness.” She devoted herself, with prayer and fasting, to the Indwelling Trinity. As she settled into her cell in the area of Limerick, folks came to her for counsel and guidance. She was considered foster-mother of the Saints of Ireland. She is supposed to have told Brendan that God especially loves three things, “true faith in God with a pure heart, a simple life with a religious spirit, and open-handedness inspired by charity.” With these words, she continues to inspire.