Irish Mystical Journey: Knock and Croag Patrick

Today we gathered around the holy rock where Mary is reported to have appeared on the church wall with St. Joseph and St. John in 1879.  Our pilgrim group formed a semi-circle touching the sacred rock and holding hands as we prayed for the many intentions and people who were in our  hearts. We sang a hymn to honor God's mothering presence in Mary and in all women, then we had time for quiet prayer and reflection.



In the Irish newspaper, I read today that Ireland's former President Mary McAleese said that the Catholic Church cannot continue to be "an old boys' club" when asked about women priests, I felt joy that women priests were gathering at Knock and Croag Patrick to pray and affirm the feminine face of God in the church and in women called to serve the people of God in inclusive, egalitarian, partnership communities where women and men share leadership responsibilities like Brigit of Kildare and Patrick in the early centuries of Celtic Christianity.


Mary, Mother of Jesus depicted on a stained glass window in Bascilica

St. Patrick statue at Croag Patrick where thousands of pilgrims visit and walk up Patrick's Mountain
overlooking Clew Bay

Croag Patrick near Westport, County Mayo, Ireland



 

In the evening we attended one of the best Irish music performances I have ever seen " Trad on the Prom" which featured Mairin Fahy's Band and World Champion Dancers direct from Riverdance, The Chieftains and Lord of the Dance. We were on our feet applauding after every number!  There is a new hit tune entitled "the wild Atlantic" that could be the theme song for our group traveling on this sacred journey around Ireland. (the Ya, Ya Cladagh Sisters)

I highly recommend this show for future Public Television Shows and to anyone who enjoys Irish music! It was brilliant!

for more information about it, visit

www.tradontheProm.com