Dundalk Day 6

This afternoon, I thought I should venture out to see this place where I had been this past week. It was a way to town from the hotel, but once I arrived, it was so worth it. I was able to order an iced latte and a brownie, sit outside in the town square, and watch the people. Being around people and hearing them talk about their everyday lives was refreshing.


Next, I ventured off to a walk around town. After coming across St. Nicolas Church, which is a beautiful old historic church, I came upon this beautiful mural of St. Brigid. I had seen it online with a group in Ireland I belong to, but what a delight it was to come upon it. I got a bit of St. Brigid even if I was not able to go to her shrine. You will note that one side shows her as a saint and the other as a Goddess.

Then I wandered down to the river and the bay I could glimpse from my hotel room. The tide was out, but I took some time to watch the birds at play.


Then, I wandered into St. Helen’s Park. It is a beautiful park with huge trees and walking paths. I sat for a while. I can’t remember the last time I took the time to sit in the park alone and be silent. There was a blessing in having this time. 





Then, I wandered up the street a few blocks until I came to the Dundalk Museum. It was a wonderful free museum that told the history of County Louth from Neolithic times. Supposedly, it was safe for me to be inside with my mask. There were only about three other visitors, none near me, and so I felt comfortable. It was a small but amazing museum. There was so much archeological and collected history.  


Less than a block away was St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  I was able to make a visit with St. Patrick. The church was Catholic and built in 1839. The style is gothic. The tile work is exquisite. There was a station for prayers for the people of Ukraine. There are many Ukrainian refugees here. In the right transept of the Sacred Heart,  there were prayers for those with Covid and those who have died from Covid. Of course, I lit a candle there!  At the altar, there are candles and prayers for healing. I prayed for Doug here and all who suffer. 

I spent almost an hour alone in this huge, beautiful cathedral. It was indeed a sanctuary for me.



By now, it was after 5, and it was time to find my way back to my hermitage. I was getting tired, and I was reminded that I was still recovering from this little virus.


Prayer

Holy One, thank you for the blessing of simple graces found in the taste of good coffee, beautiful artwork, serene landscapes, and holy places. I give thanks to all the people who have lived and labored on this land and for the blessing of their contributions.



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