IRELAND, MY SOUL MATE

On Monday, August 1, I will leave with a group of forty pilgrims for a trip to Ireland. This pilgrimage was wrecked by Covid twice, but the third time proved fruitful.

Pilgrimage is a central piece of my personal spirituality. I have found that I have a deep need to seek out holy places where generations of priests before me found grace and peace. Ireland is, of course, such a place.

The Marian Shrine at Knock is the highpoint of the pilgrimage. During the great famine, Mary appeared to the villagers and, though she did not speak, her presence gave them hope and fortitude.

As the Irish are always quick to tell me, I am not of Irish descent. However, my soul is Irish. There is something about the landscape, the music, the wonderful Irish tales, that speaks to my heart of hearts.

While I am away, we will have visiting priests at the Sunday Masses. I know you will make them feel welcomed. Call the office if there are any emergencies that require a priest. I will return on the 12th of August. (Please, do not transition to heaven while I am away!)

Know that I will pray for you during my travels! Pray for us, if you would. Here is a great Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Fr. Jim Goins