St. Brigid’s Day 2025 Celebrated by Irish Embassy to the Holy See,Highlighting        Women Religious in the United Nations

In Rome, 30 January 2025 – The Ambassador of Ireland to the Holy See, Frances Collins, welcomed Jean Quinn DW, Executive Director of UNANIMA International ahead of the Embassy’s annual St. Brigid’s Day celebration. Jean was the keynote speaker at the event, which highlighted the significant contributions of women religious in the United Nations. 
The event was co-hosted by the Irish Embassy to the Holy See, the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), and the Franciscan Community at St. Isidore’s College in Rome.

In her remarks, Ambassador Frances Collins expressed her joy, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Jean Quinn of the Congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom as our special guest speaker for this year’s St. Brigid Day celebration, to share the important work of UNANIMA International in the United Nations in New York.  Each year the Irish Embassy to the Holy See honors the legacy of St Brigid by celebrating the remarkable contribution of Irish women religious to society. For many years, Irish Sisters have lent their voice to those most in need in society, contributing to human rights, equality, education, and peace globally. It is a privilege to present this year’s event along with the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) based here in Rome.”

Jean Quinn, DW, shared her excitement about participating in this important event: “I am honored to be in Rome for this year’s St. Brigid’s Day event, hosted by the Irish Embassy to the Holy See. St. Brigid’s Day marks the beginning of Spring, symbolizing a time for hope, renewal, and celebration of the feminine spirit. St Brigid’s legacy is one whose life continues to have relevance and inspiration, especially as we try to face the issues that confront our world today. I am delighted to share the work of UNANIMA International, and the way in which we advocate on behalf of those left furthest behind in our world.”

Earlier keynote speakers at the St. Brigid’s Day event had highlighted the global contributions of Irish women religious. The speakers included Sr. Pat Murray, founding Executive Director of Solidarity for South Sudan; Caoimhe De Barra, CEO of Trocaire; Sr. Denise McQuaide; and Toni Pyke from the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI).

Notes for the Editors: 

•    St. Brigid is the female Patron Saint of Ireland, and her feast has traditionally marked the beginning of Spring. 
•    St. Brigid’s Day is celebrated on 1st February and it is a public holiday in Ireland since 2023.   
•    While the Irish Embassy to the Holy See has for many years celebrated the feast of St. Brigid, since 2018 the Department of Foreign Affairs has marked St. Brigid’s Day by celebrating the creativity and leadership of both Irish women and women in their host countries, through a broad program of performances, talks and panel discussions.  
•    Jean Quinn DW is Executive Director of UNANIMA International.   
•    UNANIMA International is a Non-Government Organization with consultative status at the United Nations, and a coalition of 22 groups of women religious comprising 25,000 people in 85 countries, whose principal aim is to advocate on behalf of women and children who live in economic poverty.  
•    UNANIMA International advocates for those, women, and children, who are homeless or displaced, migrants and refugees, victims of trafficking and impacted by the effects of climate change. A core component of their work is to bring the voices of the grassroots and those with lived experiences to the UN.