In Brigid’s left hand is the symbol of the church and the oak tree. (Cill Dara
translates as Church of the Oak, giving the town the name of Kildare.) Icons of Brigid often
show her holding the staff of abbess leadership. The upper right corner depicts an open book with a flame to represent her emphasis on education and the school of art she founded. Legend states the school was well-known for beautifully illuminated manuscripts of Scripture that predated the Book of Kells yet remain undiscovered. The upper left corner pictures the gospel writers and the recognizable woven cross that Brigid used in evangelism. Brigid’s brooch depicts the jeweled sword of her father that she gifted to a poor leper as a child. She steps on a sword to deny wealth and violence, and her outspread cloak illustrates the legend of her receiving a large portion of land for her monastery when her cloak miraculously expanded during the land purchase deal. Many of the miracles attributed to St. Brigid involved agricultural animals providing extensive provision for the poor and needy.

McVeigh felt it a great honor and responsibility to be commissioned by the parish to paint an icon of St. Brigid. McVeigh cites research and prayer as essential components in the creation of the piece; her goal was to paint an icon that presents spiritual meaning and utilizes recognizable symbols to represent events and themes within the artwork. This icon of St. Brigid represents several aspects of her life and ministry that contribute to her veneration as the female patron Saint of Ireland.