Brigid was born on Christmas morning in 1898 in County Monaghan in Northern Ireland, the youngest of 8 children of Thomas & Mary McPhillips Keiran. She was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and also took a 4-year business course at Hugh's Academy in Belfast. After her mother died in 1926, Brigid's father permitted his youngest daughter to go to America where one of her mother’s sisters was in the Presentation Convent and another sister was with the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor. Brigid also wanted to enter the convent, but did not want to teach. Sister M. Catherine, her sister, had become acquainted with the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri through Father Lukas Etlin when he visited New York. She encouraged Brigid to write to them.

Having been accepted, Brigid entered Clyde on December 8, 1930, although she had been warned by the girls in the office in New York that there was nothing in Missouri but mules. Sure enough, “big Henry” was at the train depot in Clyde to meet her with the mule and buggy. Henry’s strong German accent led Brigid to ask him if all the sisters talked that way, to which he responded, “Ya, Ya.” “Oh God help,!” Brigid thought to herself! 

She made her First Profession on September 17, 1932 and Perpetual vows on February 5, 1938. When assigned to work in the infirmary, Sr. M. Thomasine was always sure that serving tea and cookies, and maybe ice cream to the patients was the best remedy. She also worked a while in the Altar Bread Department. 

For the major portion of her life Sr. M. Thomasine served at the reception room. The monastery guests could never forget the charming Irish Sister whose gracious hospitality, loving heart, and delightful Irish brogue made them feel so special and so welcome. Always joyful and giving herself in serving others, Sr. M. Thomasine endeared herself to all.

In her last days on earth, she who had so faithfully welcomed Christ in every guest, waited with love and longing for Christ to come for one final visit and take her to Heaven. She said she was anxious to meet Jesus, Mary & Joseph, also St. Patrick and St. Thomas. She kept her sense of humor until the end. Only a few hours before her death, Sister was asked if we should offer tea and cookies to the Lord when He came to get her. Her answer was affirmative, with a smile. 

We bade farewell to our sister on Nov. 11th, 1987. Several sisters were around her bed when she peacefully went to God, to a place that was even better than Ireland!