What a lovely story about St Conall, especially as the little egg was layed in his hand while he was sleeping. A true gift!! A true sign of forgiveness .... I am also wondering if handbells could be re-introduced again in churches, I just love the idea of ringing bells (which we still have on continental Europe) and miss their alerting-celebrating sounds in Scotland where I live now. I am not sure if they are used more as part of the Orthodox liturgy? (I am Catholic).
I believe that in some folkloric traditions a swallow is said to have comforted Jesus on the cross by chattering away to him as he died. I wonder if that connection was known in Ireland, hence the significance of St Conall receiving a swallow's egg as he slept?
The 'stations' described in the schoolchild's account refer to 11 cairns. Interesting to know whether they remain or have been dismantled in the intervening years.
Reading this was like worshipping in a quiet church. Hand bells were a favorite in many of the churches I have attended (Evangelical Churches in the U. S.), now sadly and derangedly supplanted by Rock 'n Roll cacophonies. I refuse to attend them now.
Such a sweet story; thank you for sharing, Paul. How fitting was St. Conall's penance--for not only his soul, but his very hands to be humbled and gentled enough that a bird would lay an egg in them.
(Paul, I've been meaning to recommend a book about the life of St. Patrick, "Flame Over Tara." We did a lot of reading aloud with our four children in our homeschooling years, and that was one of our favorites. Very well-written.)
The Healing Path- by Jim Finley arrived today and I have not been able to put it down. A must read for those who are seeking and needing guidance- we can all learn from this living humble mystic still amongst us.
What a lovely story about St Conall, especially as the little egg was layed in his hand while he was sleeping. A true gift!! A true sign of forgiveness .... I am also wondering if handbells could be re-introduced again in churches, I just love the idea of ringing bells (which we still have on continental Europe) and miss their alerting-celebrating sounds in Scotland where I live now. I am not sure if they are used more as part of the Orthodox liturgy? (I am Catholic).
Beautiful, and moving, this morning when I am not in church. Thank you.
A beautiful story.
I believe that in some folkloric traditions a swallow is said to have comforted Jesus on the cross by chattering away to him as he died. I wonder if that connection was known in Ireland, hence the significance of St Conall receiving a swallow's egg as he slept?
The 'stations' described in the schoolchild's account refer to 11 cairns. Interesting to know whether they remain or have been dismantled in the intervening years.
This reminded me that the Irish for ladybird/ladybug is "Bóinn Dé" which means "God's little cow"
Thank you for this, Paul.
I really limit the number of words that I read online these days, and yours are always drifting upwards in a mist of Goodness, Truth and Beauty.
God Bless you.
I LOVE YOU
Reading this was like worshipping in a quiet church. Hand bells were a favorite in many of the churches I have attended (Evangelical Churches in the U. S.), now sadly and derangedly supplanted by Rock 'n Roll cacophonies. I refuse to attend them now.
Such a sweet story; thank you for sharing, Paul. How fitting was St. Conall's penance--for not only his soul, but his very hands to be humbled and gentled enough that a bird would lay an egg in them.
(Paul, I've been meaning to recommend a book about the life of St. Patrick, "Flame Over Tara." We did a lot of reading aloud with our four children in our homeschooling years, and that was one of our favorites. Very well-written.)
Thanks so much for these beautiful reflections! I am enjoying them.
"By the time you emerge from all that, you’ll be just about ready to become a Protestant."
Ha! Made my morning, thank you.
The Healing Path- by Jim Finley arrived today and I have not been able to put it down. A must read for those who are seeking and needing guidance- we can all learn from this living humble mystic still amongst us.