| Ita
is born of the Déisi tribe near Waterford
in 480. Originally named Deirdre, as a child she
shows an unusual inclination to prayer and holiness,
and for this, she is called Ita. Even at this time
in her life, she has a remarkable presence, and
those around her take note of her purity and grace. |
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In her youth, Ita dreams that an angel
gives her three precious stones. So struck is she by
the significance this, she awakens to puzzle over the
symbolism. Thankfully, inspiration is at hand in the
form of another celestial visitor who explains in a
vision, that throughout her earthly life, Ita will experience
dreams and visitations. The stones in the dream signify
the gifts of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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Ita's
father doesn't share her faith, and he is reluctant to
allow her to dedicate her whole life to it. In common
with men of his time (and social standing), he arranges
a marriage for his daughter with a young nobleman. Ita
turns to God for deliverance from such an unwanted fate,
and spends her days fasting and praying.
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| Ita's
efforts bring reward, as an angel appears to the family,
saying that she will serve God in another part of the
country, and that many people will find salvation through
her. With her family now convinced of the wisdom and grace
of her desire, Ita moves west, settling near Sliabh Luachra.
Other women come to join her, to dedicate their lives
to God. Members of the Ui Conaill tribe come offering
Ita land, but she takes only enough for a vegetable garden.
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In
her instruction of the novices, Ita conveys the concept
of the saints as 'soul-friends'. It is an old concept,
which came to Ireland from the desert fathers, via Egypt
and North Africa. A soul-friend is a confidante and
confessor, and in the case of the saints, such friendship
bridges this world with the next.
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Ita's dedication to the ascetic lifestyle
is unswerving throughout her life, and at times, is
almost dangerous. An angel comes to warn her about her
excessive fasting, which sometimes continues into four
days. Her spiritual gifts are beyond question and many
are they who seek her healing, prophecy and advice.
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As
well as educating her nuns, Ita also establishes a school
for boys, and has the honour of counting Brendan the
Voyager among her pupils. She becomes a mentor to him
and features in the future events of his life. One day,
Brendan asks her what are the three things which most
please and displease God.
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Ita tells him that a pure heart with faith in God, a simple
life with religious spirit, and generous charity are most
pleasing to Him. A mouth that hates people, a heart full
of resentment, and worship of material things, are most
offensive to God. |
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Such
is Ita's love of God that she prays for the gift of
nursing the infant Jesus, a privilege granted to her
in a vision. Along with Bridget, she becomes known as
'the wet-nurse of Christ'.
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Ita foresees her death as an old woman
in 570. Messengers come from Clonmacnoise, wanting her
to bless water for their abbot, Aengus, who is very
ill. She duly obliges, but after the messengers have
left, she tells her sisters both herself and Aengus
will die before the emissaries return to Clonmacnoise.
She is correct on both counts. Her feast day is celebrated
on the fifteenth of January.
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