In the midst of a terrible winter, along comes the great feast of St. Brigid, one of the four great saints of Ireland. I got the chance to visit her holy well, nestled in the Clare hills of Ireland not far from the Cliffs of Moher. This is one of the most mysterious of her holy places. It encompasses about an acre of land, right next to an Irish bar. Don't feel too outraged--Brigid was said to pray for gallons of beer in heaven to make us all merry! Seriously, just stepping into the shrine's enclosure is to step into a "thin place" where God and man can more easily communicate. The central area is circular where one does the saint's turas or"Pattern" or series of prayers. Just to the left, you can see the covered entrance of the holy well where pilgrims come in and place petitions to the saint, mostly for healing. Up the stairs there is a wooded circular area for more prayers, topped by a cross. A quiet graveyard lies beyond. I spent a lovely afternoon there on July 19.
I spoke with an elderly lady who told me that it is the young now who keep the place up. "They even have a committee just for that purpose." I mention it because too often we think Ireland is going the way of Europe when it comes to faith. To some extent it is true, but here in the West, the young are faithful.
You can look elsewhere on the net for a deeper biography of this saint. Suffice it to say that she lived from 453-524 and stunned the nation with her vibrant Christianity. Counselor to kings, friend to peasants, stories abound of her closeness to Christ, to Mary, to humanity, the land and all creatures. Reading the stories, however factually true, does place in all of us the deep sense that this was a living, breathing human being who joyfully accepted Christ and lived life to the fullest. Light and water are associated with her. In fact, her monastery had an undying flame lit there for over a thousand years. Numerous holy wells throughout Ireland dot the landscape, but the one here in County Clare is surely one of the most beautiful. She was no pious plaster saint; in fact, her spirituality and holiness should be very attractive to the modern age. St. Brigid's Cross, woven of rushes this time of year and blessed, protects homes and dwellings from fire and evil.
Check out the hall of prayers leading into the well. This ancient site once held a white fish that if seen would bring healing ( another of the famous fish legends of Ireland ). The well still holds the healing memory.
SAINT BRIGID'S WELL
of the Cliffs of Moher
Saint Brigid and her holy well
over Clare's fields and shore
cast a holy presence.
Sitting here above the well,
Listening as water falls
There in the cave where petitions are laid:
Hopes of the hopeless,
Prayers of the pleading,
Begging a boon
From Sweet Saint Brigid
Mother of the Gael.
Old is this shrine, ancient its memory.
A thin place beckoning;
Stopping here means stepping through
to a deeper meaning.
the stations demanded here.
A prayer at the statue,
kneeling on the path
to the Cross above the well
there in a sacred wood.
She came to this place, Brigid did,
casting out the old goddess, her namesake.
The Christ of God rules now,
Though Ireland bows,
weary and lost
I know why the Divine is here.
Holiness hovers
like the bee above the fuschia.
Sweet Saint Brigid,
undiminished, your power pervades
the land.
saint giver of joy;
Bestow happiness
to this tired wanderer;
Pray heaven over my horizon;
Keep open the door to wonder.
erb (july 19, 2008)
What a great tribute to St. Brigid. Your pictures and poem from your visit on July 19 are wonderful. Brings part of Ireland to those who have never been there. Thanks for sharing with us.
***You are welcome; it really is a peaceful, holy place. I try to make it there whenever I travel to the 'ould sod'.
Posted by: Anne Miller | January 29, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Thanks for the post and poem! It was a nice walk through of her holy well. A welcome post on the eve of her feast.
We are gathering tonight for vespers and dinner... nice to know others honor her feast here in the US.
God Bless!
****She's worth remembering and invoking as a great saint of protection and healing. What I especially like about her is that she gives us a robust vision of Christianity--something we really need in the world today.
Posted by: Michael K | January 31, 2009 at 08:27 AM
The poem written by erb "St. Brigid"s Well", gave me a touching insight into the Irish world of faith and beauty. There is a strength and power in revisiting a place where such a heavenly presence has walked. I hear comfort in these words as a warm blanket that would cover you far and wide, to keep your course strong and faithful. A beautiful mind and spiritual strong heart. I hope one day to visit this special place and reflect and become part of this special place as you have. Thank you!
Posted by: Dragonfly | February 01, 2009 at 09:46 PM
A happy and blessed Saint Brigid's Day! This is a wonderful tribute you've created! Thanks for sharing. It's great to see our Brigid--so overlooked by time and intentionally marginalized by certain political and religious prejudices--still shine.
Posted by: Willliam | January 30, 2012 at 07:10 AM
God bless you for sharing the above.
I am truly grateful.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Cavanagh | February 01, 2012 at 08:36 AM