- St. Brigid of Ireland
In the Middle Ages, beer (which is made from cereal grains) was one of the safest, most nutritious everyday drinks for northern Europeans - since grapes didn't grow in that colder climate, and water was often polluted.
Occasionally a batch would go bad, and people would naturally blame the devil for the problem. To keep the demon away, brewers would place religious statues in their brew house, and also ask the local priest to bless a new batch.
Bock beer is a darker, stronger beer which began in northern Germany. It is brewed in the fall, aged through the winter, and served in early spring. Beer festivals traditionally began on St. Joseph's Day (March 19), and often included the blessing of the new beer.
Many monasteries brewed their own beer. It was a staple of the monks' diet because of its nutritional qualities (they called it "liquid bread"). This was true especially during the Lenten fast, which restricted solid food.
Since monasteries often served as inns for travelers, monks sold their beer as a means of support. Some beers still bear the name of the monastery.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw