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| View from Saul Chuch |
St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland! The day started out at the
church at Saul ( not named for the Apostle Paul/Saul but the Irish word for
barn…as in Sabhall Phádraig meaning "Patrick's barn"). We attended
the service inside the Saul Church with singing, prayers, sermon and communion,
then gathered outside with the ones who could not fit into the small structure.
There were perhaps 100 inside and another 75-100 outside. The pilgrimage to the
Holy Trinity Cathedral usually referred to as St. Patrick’s Cathedral in
Downpatrick began. We walked uphill most of the way! These were 30-40 degree
hills, not little knobs! The cross led the processional and the various pastors (Church of Ireland and Methodist and maybe more) took turns carrying it; then others were invited to carry it. The weather was a pleasant 48 F. ; the sun shining and a bright blue sky. A perfect day! I struggled a little but was encouraged by the
bagpiper who managed to walk uphill and play the pipes!
We stopped a few times along the way to be aware of God’s
presence and to pray for Ireland and for the world. These were deliberate stops
and guided prayers. After 40 minutes or so of walking, we arrived at the church
in Downpatrick. Most everyone managed to get in and get a seat. In the foyer, there was an orchestra complete with bodrain (Irish drum, pronounced more like bo-ran)There was a
nice choir and a magnificent organ.
The speaker, Peter Greig, author of Red Moon Rising and one
of the founders of 24/7 Prayer, spoke at both services. The 24/7 organization is in 100 countries but
originated in the UK. I didn’t take
notes at the first service (and wish I had!) but in the second service, he
mentioned that there were 3 P’s of Patrick’s life. Prayer…Preaching….Protesting.
It was because of Patrick that slavery was confronted in Ireland. Peter
admonished us to be active in prayers, preaching the Gospel and protesting
injustice. It was another good service.
They had encouraged people to bring shoes to donate to those who have no shoes. There were two grocery carts full of collected shoes. At the end we were challenged by a youth movement to take
the “Fashion Fast”….to set aside a period of 3-9 months and NOT purchase any “fashion”
items…this could be clothes, jewelry or even electronic gadgets.
Following the second service, most people went to the
gravesite and a wreath was placed on St. Patrick’s grave. Part of our group
stayed and part of us made our way down the hill into Downpatrick town to get a
table for lunch! The town was packed. Jen and baby Charlie (Charlotte Ivy Shilladay) joined us and I took a few snaps of Richie's little family. Charlie has some health concerns so pray for her as you feel led. She's a wee one!
The parade was to begin at 2:30 and in the meantime, there
was some live entertainment on a stage. There were also some booths set up, a
mini fair. We found a spot to watch the parade and waited a bit. In the middle
of it, there was an emergency so the parade was stopped and an ambulance went
through. All in all, it was a nice parade and a lovely day. We went back to
Murlough at 5 and Bebe and I finished up preparing things for tea (supper).
Lots of conversation after supper and a late night to bed.
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