A Community of Friendship

The OAK, as the community is known, was birthed in order to foster the gifts of Friendship, Creativity, and Healing in Her members, the larger community, and in All of Creation, under the patronage of Saint Brigid of Kildare.

Where You'll Find Them

The Order is an inclusive, ecumenical Celtic Christian community based in the Nashville, Tennessee area.

Photo of a flower

~ OAK Community ~

The Order of the Anamchara of Kildare

A community dedicated to St. Brigid of Ireland

The Order of the Anamchara of Kildare is an independent Order of Spiritual Friendship, under the direction of Abbess Áine Máire Bríd.

"A friend is a loved one
who awakens your life
in order to free
the wild possibilities
within you."
    ~John O'Donohue

On Thursday, May 4, 2006, a spiritual vision mingled beautifully with the gift of practical need. This union brought forth "The Order of the Anamchara of Kildare," an inclusive, ecumenical Celtic Christian community based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. The OAK, as the community is known, was birthed in order to foster the gifts of Friendship, Creativity, and Healing in Her members, the larger community, and in All of Creation, under the patronage of Saint Brigid of Kildare.

About the Abbess

The Foundress and Abbess of the OAK, Áine Máire Bríd, brings to her task a true holiness of vocation: a deep compassion for those who live in exile from the Established Church, and many years of experience in the ongoing work of spiritual and practical equipping for true Christ-centered ministry in the world. Abbess Áine is a published poet and songwriter, religious educator, and inveterate tree hugger.

Áine Máire Bríd also serves as the director and primary educator of Saint Brigid's Hearth Natural Learning Center at Oak Abbey. This private school celebrates children's inherent curiosity and desire to learn, and honors their spiritual gifts and graces.

The Abbess was ordained to the priesthood on September 26, 2007.

An Independent Community

The OAK is an independent community of the Anam Cara Conference, under the protection of Bishop Deborah Beach Giordano and in sisterhood with the Inklings Community. For additional information regarding the order, contact Abbess Áine at oakabbey@gmail.com

An OAK Blessing

We bless you in the Goodness of the Lord Christ, the Wisdom of Saint Anne, the Courageous Love of Mary of Nazareth, and the Radical Hospitality of Saint Brigid, the Anamchara of Kildare.