The appearance of the edifice was very pleasing, continues the same author, by the number of windows distributed through the entire building. On the eastern extremity, the limit of the sanctuary, was a variety of sacred images, which met the eye the very moment one entered the porch of the church, and the interstices were filled up with suitable decorations. At either side of the altar stood the sacred shrines of St. Bridget and St. Conlath, which were adorned with a profusion of precious metals exquisitely wrought, studded with costly gems and stones of great price, and surmounted by diadems of gold and silver, types of the glory with which the Lord rewards His faithful servants." (Vita St. Brigid.) In the following (the 9th) century, the country being desolated by the Danes, the remains of St. Bridget were removed in order to secure them from irreverence, and transferred to Down, were deposited in the same grave with those of glorious St. Patrick. The Bridgetines, the holy order founded by this holy virgin, and her most precious memorial, continued to flourish for centuries after her decease, and gave many saints to Ireland. [1] Hector Boethius' History of Scotland, L. 9 [2] The age of twenty years was that required by the Irish Church to making the monastic vows. (Synod St. Patric. ch. 17.) [3] Kildare got its name from there being a very high oak tree near St. Bridget's habitation. _Kil_ signifying cell--_Dura_, oak tree. [4] Cogitosus Vita St. Brigida. [5] Dr. Lanigan, ch. 9, sect. 5, Eccles. Hist. Ireland. [6] "Nennidh was a student, perhaps at Kildare, when St. Bridget happening one day to be with some of her nuns near the monastery, saw him _running very fast and in an unbecoming manner_. Having sent for and inquired of him whither he was running in such haste, he replied, as if in jest, _To the Kingdom of Heaven_. Whereupon the saint gravely said, _I wish I deserved to run along with you to-day to that Kingdom, pray for me that I may reach it_. Affected by these words, the young man besought her to recommend him to God that he might pursue a steady course towards Heaven. She promptly acquiesced, and the consequence was his commencement from that moment of a life of perfection."--Dr. Lanigan, 9 ch. 5 section, Eccles. History.