In the footsteps of Saint Kevin in Glendalough

On Tuesday 26th August the Fellows from MELF Cohort Four made a trip to Glendalough, Co Wicklow.

The story of Glendalough (pronounced ‘glen-da-lock’ and meaning ‘valley of two lakes’) and St. Kevin is one which takes time to sift through and so the day began with a visit to the Hermitages adjacent to St Kevin's Church. There we were greeted by Caroline, Sr Peggy, Sr Patricia and Ruth. After a cup of tea and some wonderful scones, the group headed to prayer in the wonderful prayer space at the Hermitages. The prayer was led for us by Charlotte Cummings from New Zealand.

After the prayer we left with our guides for the Monastic City and lakes.

They say the scenery of Glendalough is most beautiful on two occasions: when the sun shines, and when the mist falls. We were lucky enough to experience the sun shining brightly for our time there.

We began by walking the Labyrinth, taking the Green Road path then along to the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake. We had stops along the way to hear some of the stories of St Kevin and the Blackbird, the Deer. We walked slowly in the footsteps of St Kevin and the many pilgrims who have made the journey before us. We finished in the Monastic City where we got a glimpse of the city of sanctuary in days past.

Sr Peggy and Ruth shared many wonderful poems and reflections with us including this one by Brother Richard Hendrick Ofm Cap. Click here.

To read daily reflections by the Fellows and view video snapshots of their adventures, keep an eye on our website and social media pages.

We will also be sharing video introductions to them and to their research from later in the week.

Reflections from Day Two

Spending time at Glendalough with Ruth and Sr Peggy was an opportunity to step across a sacred threshold where earth and heaven seem to touch. The still waters, ancient stones and quiet paths speak of centuries of prayer, pilgrimage and divine encounter. Here, the legacy of St Kevin and the knowledge and contemplative nature of Sr Peggy and Ruth invited us into stillness, silence and deep connection with the natural world, reminding us that healing and renewal are always possible. Each place in the valley: the well, the lakes, the hermitage whispers of the oneness of all creation. To walk this Celtic land, from the labyrinth to our final blessing, was to carry forward both the ancient faith of our ancestors and our own hopes for the future. 

The above reflection was written by Libby Blom, MELF Cohort Four.