A BLESSED MICHAELMASS--SEPTEMBER 29--TO YOU FROM SKELLIG MICHAEL, IRELAND!
In Celtic lands like Ireland and Scotland, St. Michael's Day was one of the greatest feasts of the year. It was a time to thank God for the harvests being brought in, and it was a time to preapare for the cold, dark winter that was soon to come. St. Michael and the angels were seen as protectors of the People of God. St. Michael, as in other places of Europe, dwells in the seas and in the heights. As the one who cast Lucifer from heaven, he protects from evil and leads the faithful to their heavenly reward. The heights of Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are sacred to the winged saint. Anyone near their unearthly beauty knows it is no poet's license to say that sometimes one can feel the brush of angel wings and be in awe of their great presence.
THE SKELLIGS
Out of the mists of time,
From fog enshrouded sea,
They appear around the point
Of Ballinskelligs' Bay.
A moment frozen in eternity
Of some massive spirit,
Rising from the ocean,
Gripping sword and shield in hand.
Michael the Victorious!
Michael of the Sea!
Michael of the high places,
Angel of Light protect me!
From all that would harm,
From all that would darken
From all that would turn
and shadow my way.
No waves that bent,
No winds that howl,
No storms that shriek,
Can shatter those splintered rocks.
No sun shines peacefully there.
All is angles and reaching upward,
Angels' efforts to seek the Divine.
No breeze caresses the face
Without the touch of angel wings.
Michael the Victorious!
Michael of the Air!
Michael of the struggle
Wing wrap my soul to spare
From all that defeats me
From all that weakens me,
From all that tempts me,
and twists me apart.
Like a boat seeking safety,
In your sheltered harbor,
So my life bends to your refuge
Midst the towering waves.
Lost am I, without anchor,
Your Rock a way station,
Last outpost before the empty seas,
Gateway to the uttermost West.
Michael the Victorious!
Michael of my heart!
Michael hope for the hopeless,
Snare me with your spear!
Float me on your shield!
Bear me to the Spirit of Rest!
Carry me to the Son of Peace!
Lead me to the Father of
Love!
E. Barr
August 10, 2000
Skellig Michael, dedicated from ancient Christian times to the Archangel of the same name and Little Skellig lie 8 miles off the coast of Kerry, the last outposts of Europe, looking to the West.[all pictures by E. Barr]
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