Heaven and Earth Celebrate the Pattern Day of St. Declan in Ardmore
Just a short while ago I returned from St. Declan's Well having
attended the Midnight Vigil of the Pattern Day. It's been a few years
since I last ventured there, the excuse of being too tired after a busy
day being the one nearest to hand, this year, however, I was determined
to go back in search of the inner tranquility and calmness of my previous midnight visit.
Walking past the bright foyer of the Cliff House Hotel into the darkness a recollection of my last visit and those who accompanied me there mingled with the anticipation of this visit in my mind. We approached the entrance to St Declan's Hermitage illuminated by a solitary candle standing guard in a wonderfully large glass jar which welcomed us onwards. A river of night-lights flowed towards the entrance to the Well where a serene and respectful atmosphere was observed as old friends greeted each other and new ones were introduced. Having wandered around in the mystery of candlelight for a few moments, I came to rest against the railing near St. Declan's Well just as Sr. Declan began her welcome and gave an introduction to those not familiar with the history of St. Declan and his Holy Well.
The rosary was recited 'as gaeilge' and faceless people, both young and old, prayed in unity, side by side, in a tradition that has lasted centuries in Ardmore. As I gazed from candle light to full moon light I came to realise that our prayers were rising to the heavens above and I have no doubt that centuries of those great Déise people, gone before us, prayed with us too as the water lapped the rocks below with the cry of the curlew was lost in the mumble of prayer.
Tonight in this ancient ruined site in the open air of summer, I was reminded why we celebrate the Pattern Day, the real and true meaning behind this wonderful tradition is the simple celebration of our Christian faith given to us by St Declan, without all the trappings and the ceremony, it is the celebration of our connection with our ancient past, our ultimate future and our journey with those we encounter as we pass through. Happy Pattern Day
Walking past the bright foyer of the Cliff House Hotel into the darkness a recollection of my last visit and those who accompanied me there mingled with the anticipation of this visit in my mind. We approached the entrance to St Declan's Hermitage illuminated by a solitary candle standing guard in a wonderfully large glass jar which welcomed us onwards. A river of night-lights flowed towards the entrance to the Well where a serene and respectful atmosphere was observed as old friends greeted each other and new ones were introduced. Having wandered around in the mystery of candlelight for a few moments, I came to rest against the railing near St. Declan's Well just as Sr. Declan began her welcome and gave an introduction to those not familiar with the history of St. Declan and his Holy Well.
The rosary was recited 'as gaeilge' and faceless people, both young and old, prayed in unity, side by side, in a tradition that has lasted centuries in Ardmore. As I gazed from candle light to full moon light I came to realise that our prayers were rising to the heavens above and I have no doubt that centuries of those great Déise people, gone before us, prayed with us too as the water lapped the rocks below with the cry of the curlew was lost in the mumble of prayer.
Tonight in this ancient ruined site in the open air of summer, I was reminded why we celebrate the Pattern Day, the real and true meaning behind this wonderful tradition is the simple celebration of our Christian faith given to us by St Declan, without all the trappings and the ceremony, it is the celebration of our connection with our ancient past, our ultimate future and our journey with those we encounter as we pass through. Happy Pattern Day