A New Season...

For the opening weekend of the Three Day Pilgrimage, Deacon Martin Donnelly, a member of the Clergy Team offers some words of reflection.​

Groups of people huddled on the shore
shivering in a breeze
that is reminiscent of autumn rather than summer
as we await our cruise.

We gaze across the lake
at the ancient sanctuary of Patrick
looking somewhat brighter and lighter grey
than it has ever looked even in weak sunlight.

What brings us here?
It is not the weather
and certainly not dreams of luxury.
It is our desire to break from the routine
and busyness of our world
and draw ourselves close to the triune God.

As we take our first barefoot steps on the island
we feel we are on Holy ground
and our pilgrimage has begun.
The stones are still as testing for our feet
and if the rain does not soak us
then the midges will certainly tease us.

Thoughts of a sleepless night ahead
and pretending that toast and oat cakes
are a sumptuous evening meal add to the chill.

There are so many things I want to say to God
but I don't know where to start.
So I kneel before the tabernacle in the Basilica
and open my heart to the Lord.

He knows me better than I know myself.
I allow him to see me as I am
in my human frailty
and pray for the freedom
to accept the plan He has for me.

Bless my pilgrimage.