Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter 1
2. Table of Contents 7
3. List of Figures 9
4. Preface 11
5. Introduction 15
6. 1. “Founded upon the Rock Which Is Christ”: What Patrick and His Promoters Reveal about Women in the Early Irish Church 41
7. 2. “A New and Apostolic Band of Virgins Arose”: Darerca, an Exceptionally Learned Abbess 61
8. 3. “The Safest City of Refuge”: Brigid the Bishop 85
9. 4. “God Is Always Present with Those Who Exemplify Such Devotion”: Íte, Foster-Mother of the Saints of Ireland 113
10. 5. “Do Not Harass My Sisters”: Samthann, an Abbess Not to Be Crossed 135
11. 6. “I Place Myself under the Protection of the Virgins All Together”: Sister Saints with Something Like a Life 157
12. Conclusion 187
13. Appendices 199
14. Bibliography 289
15. Index 305