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Amazed by Melissa

Our morning was spent in a mini-pilgrimage given by one of the Esker fathers. Esker, where we are staying, is several centuries old, and originally built by Dominican monks. There’s a lot of history in just this small area, not to mention the rest of Ireland. We were allowed some time afterwards to wander around the monastery and it was nothing short of amazing. Being able to walk around the wooded areas here was one of the most spiritual things I’ve ever experienced. 

In the afternoon, we took a short trip to St. Kerril’s Well in the presence of a storyteller, who told us the story of the saint. Apparently, Kerril was a disciple of Saint Patrick. Upon hearing of a demon in the west of Ireland, he quickly went to the aid of the local people. To vanquish the beast, he fell to his knees in front of it and prayed reverently, driving the beast back further and further into the lake from which it came. After the fifth time of doing this, trees and reeds sprang up from around the lake and collapsed, burying the monster, and turning the lake into a bog. Only a spring, which is blessed every June 13 remains of the lake. And since it was thundering and lightning while Kerril vanquished the beast, it is said that the water will protect the keeper from any harm during storms.  We then drove a short while to the graveyard where Kerril was originally laid to rest. After visiting a few more noteworthy sites, along with some over-friendly horses, we returned back to Eskar for dinner. SOUP! Irish soup is amazing. It really is.

After a couple rounds of pitch and putt, which is essentially golf with only two clubs, and a brief rainstorm in which I danced, we returned to our lodgings for a quick, St. Crispin’s style closing circle in place of compline. Jackie, Meghan and I were able to purchase some tea candles during the day, and just as it was getting dark, we went around the forest to place them at Mary’s statue and the stations of the cross. The light of the candles mixed with the fading light of day to create a beautiful scene in the forest. We were silent as we did this, keeping the reverence of the moment.

Well, until Nicole and Jacob jumped out at us.

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