Happy Groundhog Day and a prayer for beer

7 years ago today, I was in Ireland for the Feile Bhride, a festival honoring St. Brigid of Kildare. It is a shame at the time I had not yet discovered my taste for beer and left the treasure of Guinness behind. But it was in Ireland on that trip that I first heard this 10th century prayer attributed to St. Brigid herself. 

I’d like to give a lake of beer to God.
I’d love the heavenly
Host to be tippling there
For all eternity.

I’d love the men of Heaven to live with me,
To dance and sing.
If they wanted, I’d put at their disposal
Vats of suffering.

White cups of love I’d give them
With a heart and a half;
Sweet pitchers of mercy I’d offer
To every man.

I’d make Heaven a cheerful spot
Because the happy heart is true.
I’d make the men contented for their own sake.
I’d like Jesus to love me too.

I’d like the people of heaven to gather
From all the parishes around.
I’d give a special welcome to the women,
The three Marys of great renown.

I’d sit with the men, the women and God
There by the lake of beer.
We’d be drinking good health forever
And every drop would be a prayer.

 So pour yourself a pint and enjoy the beautiful pre-spring season and hope that the groundhog sees what he should.