Ita (475; d. 15 January, 570)

St. Ita is known as the "Foster Mother of the Saints of Ireland" because she was a soul friend and spiritual mother to several of Ireland's early saints among them Brendan,  Cummain and St. Mochoemoc, whom because of his beauty she called 'Pulcherius'. The wisdom with which she managed her charges and taught her "children" was cultivated through the quiet of solitary prayer and meditation.

Her gentle ministry to children is reflected in the lullaby for the infant Jesus that is attributed to her. Such is Ita's love for God that she prays for the gift of nursing the infant Jesus, a privilege granted to her in a vision. Along with Brigid, she becomes known as 'the wet-nurse of Christ'.