There is no coincidence that we began our House of Brigid year by gathering at the University of Notre Dame on the 21st of August, the feast day of Our Lady of Knock. On the same day in 1879 in Country Mayo, Ireland the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared to some fifteen people, ranging from 5 to 75 years of age in the pouring rain. Our Lady and her companions didn’t say anything but their presence inspired the villagers to pray the rosary while they were there.
I began my time in Wexford by traveling on pilgrimage with some parishioners from Clonard to Knock last year. I have wonderful memories of singing Marian hymns at Knock and to this day I cannot hear the phrase “Golden Rose” without singing the rest of the tune.
“Golden Rose,
Queen of Ireland,
all my care and troubles cease,
as I kneel with love before you,
Lady of Knock,
My Queen of peace. “
Last year I served with House of Brigid in Wexford and this year I am making the switch to the community in Dublin. It is amazing how different life can be in the same country just a county or so away. I am familiar with how to take the bus but Dublin has a lot more than the two routes that I was used to in Wexford. Dublin has so many restaurants and sites that will have to compete with my favorite spots in Wexford. Last year I worked for Irish people but this year I am working with Americans, Father Bill and Steve and Michele Warner. Now my day starts with Morning Prayer with the church staff instead of mass and tea at Clonard. My community this year is smaller too. Instead of three other people in the house there are only two. All these changes are difficult at times and will take some getting used to but they are also helping me see Ireland threw a new lens. When I do feel overwhelmed or tired from all the new things I like to think of Mary looking down from heaven and watching over me. She always guides me and points to her Son who brings me peace.
In my first days in Dublin this year I asked Our Lady to help me in my transition. I have always loved roses so I take it as a sign that she is especially watching over me whenever I see them. To my delight I discovered that there are dozens of roses on my walk down South Circular Road to the church on St. Stephen’s green. The roses are so many colors and smell gorgeous.
I am so thrilled to be back in Ireland and starting a new year at Newman University Church. There is so much to learn and grow in as I begin another year of living and working in community. I know that Our Lady is also looking over me and over all the other members of House of Brigid as we start this year in Wexford and Dublin.
