Inis Mor Day 3


 This morning we first visited St. Spurney’s church  ruin’s . She was the only know woman to have a monestary on the island. She was probably educated under St. Enda.  We can’t get close to the ruins because there is no path and the field is full of blackberry bushes that create natural barriers. 


We then walked further up the road to St. Kieran’s church. In front of the church was a stone sun dial. The dial helped  the monastics know when to pray in the natural rhythm of the earth: beginning of the day, mid-day, etc.

Also it is said that covenant contracts  like marriages were made by touching fingers through the hole at the top. Following the making of the contract one might walk the rounds to bless (walk 3, 7, or 12 times around the dial) what was in their contract.




St. Kieran’s church was probably rebuilt in stone around the 12th century. Concentric circles were considered to be drawn around the church to  form a boundary. The most sacred place was the center where the church stands. Boundary markers were placed on the edges of the property.  Within the boundaries people could be considered safe from any persecution from the outside world.




 Monestarys were often organized around Holy Wells. This well was considered a very sacred place. People came from all over to be healed particularly if they had eye problems.



These rocks were placed near the well. The custom is to pick up a rock and walk the rounds 3, 6, or 12 times. The first time around we said “Christ around me”, the second time “Christ within me” and the last time “Christ in everything”.



 On the Hawthorn tree we tied pieces of cloth that held our prayers on the branches. This is an ancient tradition. 




My Celtic soul was at home and rested on this sacred site.


We went to a bar for lunch and did a taste test between the Guinness and Murphy’s. The Murphys won. We also learned that putting black current in the Guinness makes it taste even better! We had a grand time with the folks from the table next to us. They were on holiday from Northern Ireland. Paddy was telling us Irish jokes, and we all laughed.



We finished the night walking to a local pub to listen to a local musician, and song writer, Padraig Jack. He was delightful!


Prayer

As evening turns to darkness I give thanks for the blessing of this place and the sacredness of the land and the people. My spirit rejoices in the shared laughter and kindred hearts. I give thanks for prayers offered and answers in the sacred space of this Hawthorn tree and this Holy well.






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