Tobernalt Reflections

Holy Well Reflection

The Pilgrim walk softly, this is holy ground.
It has been made holy by the feet of generations
Who came here to worship God,
To hear Mass, to honour Our Lady,
To pray for their needs and for peace.

Here are the memories of a poor, persecuted people,
They braved death to come.
They walked barefoot through the woods to worship in secret. Here are memories of hunted priests, Offering Mass in this hallowed place at risk of their lives.

Will their sufferings and sacrifices be in vain?
They have handed on a torch – Let us keep that torch alight

 

I Am Still by Eileen King

I come, I sit and close my eyes
Life rushes by but I am still, at peace in the quiet and solitude.
The sounds of Tobernalt soothe my mind.

At this Holy Well God is near
His creation flowing and I am welcome here
A silent guest to all that is simple and beautiful.
My imperfection matters not
For I am God’s created.

Eyes still closed yet penetrated by the light of the sun.
A life transformed, cares undone
And I am still.

 

My Own Place by Kathleen Brady

The drizzling rain, the dripping Ferns
At Tobernalt the candle burns.
Sweet smells of summer, eglantine,
Primroses, garlic and woodbine.
The little bridge, the rushing stream,
In the icy depths, the pennies gleam
The bush is decked with ribbons gay,
That makes me pause awhile and pray.
For the sick and poor who are all alone,
My fingers touch the saints stone.
I wish for health and wealth and love
And every grace from Heaven above.
I light my candle – lift my face to
The ancient altar – My Own Place.
           

Our Lady of Lourdes

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favours, and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favour, I will endeavour to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory.

 

Saints Reflections

Prayer to Saint Anne

Remember, good Saint Anne, whose name means grace and mercy, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I come before you, sinful and sorrowful. Holy mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and loving grandmother of the saviour, do not reject my appeal, but hear me and answer in prayer. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Patrick

St. Patrick, Apostle of the Gael, keep the light of the True Faith ever brightly burning in the hearts of our people!

Sixteen centuries of faithful striving To walk, O Patrick, in the ways you trod – The twenty mysteries of Ireland’s Rosary, Told unceasingly for love of God! Sometimes joyful, sometimes bright and sometimes glorious. Ah! How often sorrowful, with pain and tears. O Patrick! Beg from Our Lord for Ireland.

Prayer in Thanksgiving for all the Saints of Ireland

Thank God for loyal friends of ours
Who guard us every day,
When joys depart, when sorrows come,
When hope seems far away.

When close to every path we walk
Are clouds of black despair,
Sure all the Saints of Ireland,
A shining band, are there.

They march with every faithful soul
In gladness and in woe,
They watch above our exiled ones
Where’er on earth they go;

O, when we tread the road of death
At ending of the day,
May all the Saints of Ireland
Be with us on our way!

A Time To Reflect

Tobernalt Holy Well have sparked many a poetic moment and inspring literature. People have been talking and writing about this historic place for hundreds of years.

 
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