I remember with fondness my two trips to Ireland, in 1998 and in 2003. It is an absolutely beautiful country. This picture is one I took in 1998 in Carndonaugh.
St. Patrick, much like St. Gaspar, was formed by a period of captivity. It is beneficial to celebrate his feast in this Lenten time, not that we might get a dispensation from fasting so that we can indulge in our favorite Irish Stout, but that we might focus on the cross, and reflect on how the thorns and difficulties have formed us.
God, indeed, who brings things to maturity, requires us to be patient for his works are generated and cultivated through thorns, crosses, and all sorts of hardships that accompany a ministry of the primary and essential relationship in the Church of Jesus Christ.
Thorns and crosses are surely a significant part of Ireland's history and the life of its people. There is an intense devotionl life in Ireland, if not a vibrant liturigal one. The devotion springs from thorns and crosses both of which are lived not only internally but, in Ireland, visually as well. Fr. Jeff spoke recently about the cross tipped churches of Precious Blood country in Ohio. In Ireland the crosses are in the town squares or diamonds as well as in the fields. This field pictured above is not unusual. Many many fields throughout the country are graced by lovely stone crosses and of course thorns and brambles abound as well. So one can feast always on symbols of the essential truth of who we are as Christians.
:It is beneficial to celebrate his feast in this Lenten time, not that we might get a dispensation from fasting so that we can indulge in our favorite Irish Stout,:
But that stout's not a BAD thing, is it? ;-)
sure, any time. Just not a feast to indulge in and over do it this one time.
I like your photo!