Saint Ita of Killeedy

Saint Ita of Killeedy (c. 480–570 AD) is one of the most beloved saints of Ireland, venerated alongside Saint Brigid and Saint Columba as a pillar of early Irish Christianity. Known as the "Foster Mother of the Saints of Ireland," she founded a monastic community for women at Killeedy in County Limerick, which became a renowned center of learning and holiness.

Saint Ita is especially celebrated for her role in educating and nurturing the young Saint Brendan the Navigator, who spent his early years under her spiritual guidance. She was known for her extraordinary asceticism, her deep contemplative prayer, and her tender love for Christ, whom she is said to have nursed mystically as the Christ Child.

Her life was marked by visions, miracles, and an unwavering devotion to the poor and the sick. She reposed around 570 AD and her feast day is celebrated on January 15. Browse our handcrafted Orthodox icons and devotional items honoring Saint Ita of Killeedy, made in our Ohio workshop using traditional Byzantine embroidery techniques.