Saint Sheela's Day - Naomh Sheela bean chéile Padraig

Naohm Sheela

Born: 390

Died:  469
Skills: Midwife to midwives, healer, herbalist, protector of nature
Symbols: Morart and Pestals, Babies, Shamrocks, Herbs,  Springtime, and Sheela na Gigs
Celebrated on her "Death Day" - March 18th, 469AD

Sheela, wife of Maewyn Succat Padraig, mother of Bennen, and the two other sons, and 5 or 6 daughters, though these were often later called sisters/brothers of Patrick, as "bishops didn't marry" in later traditions.  She was native-born Irish, and her son Bennen, was the first Native Born Irish leader of Faith.  It is debated as to whether they had been first married when Maewyn was a slave, or after his return, though most traditions have it while he was a slave, with Bennen being born just after his escape, whom he met 8 years later after his return. (Earlier traditions have Maewyn gone from Ireland only a short 7 to 8 years.)

Sheela herself was a skilled midwife, healer, and "shepherdess" to her people.  It is said she was the midwife of Brocca, Brigid of Kildare's mother, after Brocca became a believer.  A former slave herself, Sheela was trusted among the slave women, to protect the delievery of their babies.  She was skilled in herbs and healing in the traditions of Airmed, whose skills she was taught prior to belief in Eosa.

So it is this day we honor her with the last day of the Three Days of Celebration: Eve of Maewyn, Padraig's Day, and Sheela's Day!

"Beannaithe Lá Fhéile Pádraig agus Síle!"