This article on Catholic Exchange gives some suggestions for anyone who wishes to make a pilgrimage to the Emerald Isle. I traveled to Ireland three years ago with my parents. We didn't necessarily intend for it to become a pilgrimage, but for me, in a way, it did. You see, one thing I love about being a Catholic is that we have a connection to the people who came before us, the early Christians who trod the path that we now walk - even if it meant facing martyrdom. I remember this at every Mass. When you stand at places like the Rock of Cashel where St Patrick is said to have baptized the sons of Nio Froch, or Glendalough (an ancient monastery) or the Gallarus oratory (built between the 7th and 8th centuries), you cannot help but wonder at the thought of the great (or not so well-known) saints who worshiped there centuries before your time. Since most of my ancestry is Irish, it had a connection to my own family history as well. Ireland is a beautiful country with a rich history, the people there are very hospitable, the weather is temperate, and English is the primary language (although you will see many road signs in Gaelic as well). I will never forget it. If anyone who reads this post gets the chance - GO!
I created a "photo" album with a few of the pictures I took while I was there, feel free to check it out! I may add more in the future if I can, I'll have to digitize them first.
Ireland is a place I'd definitely love to see in my lifetime. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Anastasia Hunt | July 06, 2006 at 12:46 PM