So the reason that I didn't get back with time to put up another update was I was trying really hard to sleep on a normal Irish schedule and I think I did it. I won the battle against jet lag.
On to the more exciting things that happened yesterday... my first day in Wexford (it already seems so much longer than that). The day started after a much needed sleep-in with a little breakfast and then Jess, one of the members of the House had spiritual accompaniment (what they call spiritual direction). We got a lift (NOT A RIDE) from a woman who works at the parish to the Ballyvaloo retreat centre (look at how Irish I am!!) which is one of this areas best kept secrets. The facilities were gorgeous, as were the grounds. All of the pictures except for the very last one in the parish came from the retreat centre or between it and their private gate to the private beach on the coast of Ireland (hard to believe it's the same water isn't it??).
We then got our lift back to the House where I took it east in the afternoon in an attempt to stay awake until bedtime. I watched a little rugby, played a little guitar, and uploaded some pictures. Then we headed over to the vigil Mass at Clonard Parish which started at 7pm. This was the choir that is actually directed and lead by the members of the House of Brigid. It was fun to hear some of the same songs that we sing in Folk Choir done in a completely foreign country with the same faith. At first I was a little taken aback by the huge crowd that turned out for Mass... the church was probably 3/4 full. Then I asked a friend and she let me know that the Confirmation class was having a special ceremony of light for them and their parents. Part of this ceremony was "the pledge" in which the 2nd and 3rd grade students pledge publicly to avoid alcohol until they turn 18. This is a tradition that was started over 75 years ago, but the members of the House were impressed by the serious thought that each student put into it before they made the pledge in front of the entire community. They also promise to avoid hard drugs for their entire lives. The part of this ceremony that I was most impressed by was the prayers that came just after these. The nest set of prayers was devoted toward the parents and then the entire community. The parents made a promise that they have spoken to their child about the dangers of these two activities and promised to support them in their decision through faith and action. The words of the prayers were powerful and I hope they struck home with someone other than just myself.
After Mass we went out with a volunteer to get some good ole Chinese food (a tradition after the Vigil Mass that I was happily introduced to). We enjoyed a full family meal of take-away Chinese in preparation for walking down to the town. We then decided to walk down and spend the evening in a pub. It was a great night, and thanks to the vistas in in the photos, the accents all around me, the afternoon rainstorm, and the pub life I think I finally feel like I am in Ireland!
You are all in my prayers... and thank you for yours. I can feel them every moment.
On to the more exciting things that happened yesterday... my first day in Wexford (it already seems so much longer than that). The day started after a much needed sleep-in with a little breakfast and then Jess, one of the members of the House had spiritual accompaniment (what they call spiritual direction). We got a lift (NOT A RIDE) from a woman who works at the parish to the Ballyvaloo retreat centre (look at how Irish I am!!) which is one of this areas best kept secrets. The facilities were gorgeous, as were the grounds. All of the pictures except for the very last one in the parish came from the retreat centre or between it and their private gate to the private beach on the coast of Ireland (hard to believe it's the same water isn't it??).
We then got our lift back to the House where I took it east in the afternoon in an attempt to stay awake until bedtime. I watched a little rugby, played a little guitar, and uploaded some pictures. Then we headed over to the vigil Mass at Clonard Parish which started at 7pm. This was the choir that is actually directed and lead by the members of the House of Brigid. It was fun to hear some of the same songs that we sing in Folk Choir done in a completely foreign country with the same faith. At first I was a little taken aback by the huge crowd that turned out for Mass... the church was probably 3/4 full. Then I asked a friend and she let me know that the Confirmation class was having a special ceremony of light for them and their parents. Part of this ceremony was "the pledge" in which the 2nd and 3rd grade students pledge publicly to avoid alcohol until they turn 18. This is a tradition that was started over 75 years ago, but the members of the House were impressed by the serious thought that each student put into it before they made the pledge in front of the entire community. They also promise to avoid hard drugs for their entire lives. The part of this ceremony that I was most impressed by was the prayers that came just after these. The nest set of prayers was devoted toward the parents and then the entire community. The parents made a promise that they have spoken to their child about the dangers of these two activities and promised to support them in their decision through faith and action. The words of the prayers were powerful and I hope they struck home with someone other than just myself.
After Mass we went out with a volunteer to get some good ole Chinese food (a tradition after the Vigil Mass that I was happily introduced to). We enjoyed a full family meal of take-away Chinese in preparation for walking down to the town. We then decided to walk down and spend the evening in a pub. It was a great night, and thanks to the vistas in in the photos, the accents all around me, the afternoon rainstorm, and the pub life I think I finally feel like I am in Ireland!
You are all in my prayers... and thank you for yours. I can feel them every moment.
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