Saint Ita

Saint Ita was born in County Waterford at the end of the 5th century. She grew up in a noble Irish family. She decided to abandon her life of comfort and give herself entirely to penance and asceticism. To pass on the values she considered most important, she founded her own monastery, which in time became a school for women, men, girls, and boys. Saint Ita proved to be an excellent teacher who shared her experience and knowledge with, among others, Saint Brendan, one of the Apostles of Ireland.

According to tradition, Brendan visited her regularly even after his schooling was over, when through his many voyages he began to discover the world. It is worth noting that he was sent to find the sea route to the Promised Land.

Once, Saint Brendan is said to have asked Saint Ita about the 3 things that God loves and values most. Ita answered that they are: “True faith and a pure heart, a simple life in a religious spirit, and open-handedness inspired by charity.” Then Brendan asked what God cannot accept. Saint Ita explained: “Lips that hate people, hearts that harbor resentment, and attachment to riches.” Ita’s holiness was widely esteemed even in her lifetime, which is why she is the second best-known Irish woman saint, right after Brigid.