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| Gallarus Oratory - Beehive Hut |
REFLECTION
In the theology behind Celtic spirituality, and contrary to Augustine’s view of sin as a vitiating and evil disruption of original innocence, is the gentler insight that sees human beings as essentially God-centered, since the creating light of God dwells within all persons. The divine light had been covered over and stifled by the inroads of sinful choices, but not extinguished. We are, as John’s Gospel says, “begotten by God’s light which is the light of humankind.”
The Celtic liturgical calendar is flavored with expressions from the Eastern church. There are links with Syrian and Egyptian monasticism and the spirituality of the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert in the art work of the Book of Kells and in the depiction of Saint Antony of the Desert in some of the High Crosses, as well as in the beehive-style structures that were the early monastic cells. The deserts of the East were mirrored in Ireland by the rocky isolation of the Burren or of the Skelligs, those craggy mountains that push up off the coast of Kerry, or by the isolated islands such as Iona and Lindesfarne. Eastern-style monastic asceticism had been popularized in the West by Saint John Cassian whose influence is evident in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall. Praying With Celtic Holy Women (2003) Bridget Mary Meehan and Regina Madonna Oliver, p. 7.
The Celtic liturgical calendar is flavored with expressions from the Eastern church. There are links with Syrian and Egyptian monasticism and the spirituality of the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert in the art work of the Book of Kells and in the depiction of Saint Antony of the Desert in some of the High Crosses, as well as in the beehive-style structures that were the early monastic cells. The deserts of the East were mirrored in Ireland by the rocky isolation of the Burren or of the Skelligs, those craggy mountains that push up off the coast of Kerry, or by the isolated islands such as Iona and Lindesfarne. Eastern-style monastic asceticism had been popularized in the West by Saint John Cassian whose influence is evident in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall. Praying With Celtic Holy Women (2003) Bridget Mary Meehan and Regina Madonna Oliver, p. 7.
PRAYER
Celebrating Saint Melangell’s
Gifts for Our Lives – Patroness of Ecology and Holistic Healing
We celebrate the memory of Saint Melangell whose hermitage and church became of place of sanctuary, not only for wild animals but for people who needed shelter and safety.
PRAYER
Author of Life,
may we live in harmony,
with people of every race, religion, and nation,
with all creatures of the sea and on the land.
May we praise you,
with sun and moon,
with birds and bees,
with wild creatures, flowers, and trees.
Like Saint Melangell,
may we be quiet havens,
for those in trouble.
May we be precious companions on earth
and kin forever in heaven. Amen.
Scripture
“Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5 (NRSV)
Meditation
Ponder the image of Melangell holding the wild hare in her arms. Spend time with this image and let it speak to you of God’s gentle protection. Imagine that you are held in God’s tender arms. Open your whole being to receive God’s affectionate love for you. Let it flow through you and warm you, heal you, give you peace. Be aware that all beings are holy ground. You are holy ground.
Closing Prayer
May the love of God fill you with joy and peace.
May the healing power of Christ strengthen and save you.
May the Holy Spirit encourage you.
May the Spirit of Melangell surround you.
May a thousand angels guide your steps.
May a blessing from this holy place
Protect you all your days.
Blessing - For this blessing, walk in a circle as did the ancient Celts.
We celebrate the memory of Saint Melangell whose hermitage and church became of place of sanctuary, not only for wild animals but for people who needed shelter and safety.
PRAYER
Author of Life,
may we live in harmony,
with people of every race, religion, and nation,
with all creatures of the sea and on the land.
May we praise you,
with sun and moon,
with birds and bees,
with wild creatures, flowers, and trees.
Like Saint Melangell,
may we be quiet havens,
for those in trouble.
May we be precious companions on earth
and kin forever in heaven. Amen.
Scripture
“Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5 (NRSV)
Meditation
Ponder the image of Melangell holding the wild hare in her arms. Spend time with this image and let it speak to you of God’s gentle protection. Imagine that you are held in God’s tender arms. Open your whole being to receive God’s affectionate love for you. Let it flow through you and warm you, heal you, give you peace. Be aware that all beings are holy ground. You are holy ground.
Closing Prayer
May the love of God fill you with joy and peace.
May the healing power of Christ strengthen and save you.
May the Holy Spirit encourage you.
May the Spirit of Melangell surround you.
May a thousand angels guide your steps.
May a blessing from this holy place
Protect you all your days.
Blessing - For this blessing, walk in a circle as did the ancient Celts.
First Step: Place your arms in front of you.
God be before me. You live in me and I live in you.
Second Step: Place your arms behind you.
God be behind me. Heal and comfort me.
Third Step: Place your arms above you.
God be above me. I am your marvelous creation.
God be before me. You live in me and I live in you.
Second Step: Place your arms behind you.
God be behind me. Heal and comfort me.
Third Step: Place your arms above you.
God be above me. I am your marvelous creation.
Fourth Step: Place your arms below you.
God be below me. May I fall in love with you and with every living thing.
Fifth Step: Place your arms around you.
God be around me, my true home be.
(Praying With Celtic Holy Women (2003) Bridget Mary Meehan and Regina Madonna Oliver, pp. 143-147)
God be below me. May I fall in love with you and with every living thing.
Fifth Step: Place your arms around you.
God be around me, my true home be.
(Praying With Celtic Holy Women (2003) Bridget Mary Meehan and Regina Madonna Oliver, pp. 143-147)
SONG: Linger Lovingly by Carmel Boyle
https://youtu.be/OXyOxP_j7Bk
Refrain
Linger lovingly a little longer
Touch this moment
Breathe this now
Linger lovingly a little longer
Let the Spirit breathe in you now
Linger lovingly a little longer
Touch this moment
Breathe this now
Linger lovingly a little longer
Let the Spirit breathe in you now
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Touch our hearts, Touch our minds
Veni Sancte Spiritus
With gentle breeze lead our way
Refrain
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Be in our thoughts, Be in our words
Veni Sancte Spiritus
With tongues of fire light our way
Refrain
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Veni Sancte Spiritus
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