St. Brigid was born to an Irish Chieftain. She always had a charitable nature and so became the first Irish nun, starting convents throughout Ireland. Her wish was to relieve the hardships of the poor. She is known for the simple cross she is believed to have woven for a dying pagan chieftain to illus- trate the Christian faith. St. Brigid?s cross is commonly hung in Irish homes to bless them.