As I had some remaining Annual Leave to take from work before the end of the leave year, and because my birthday falls on 10 March, I decided to reward myself by embarking on a last minute Spring getaway to Albufeira, part of the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. After being in Albufeira in April 2024 for a Running Retreat hosted by Catherina McKiernan, I was confident I would be able to catch some much needed sunshine.
Before I embarked on the trip I made sure I was organised in advance and I gave myself some quiet time to be still and to connect with God. I had planned this holiday so that I would be travelling from Ireland West Airport Knock. It was soothing to travel west in the comfort of my car and notice how life is away from the hustle and bustle of the spiralling urban towns of Ireland’s East. Travelling from Knock Airport is truly amazing. The facilities are first class, including a beautiful oratory to pray in, and I have found that flying from there helps me to be relaxed, rather than rushing which can be the case at the bigger airports.
Still having Ryanair vouchers to use, my trip to Faro was a Christmas gift from my sisters, and I found a bargain deal for an apartment for 7 nights at a hotel located in the heart of Albufeira, within walking distance from one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. The freedom of having an apartment afforded me more flexibility, the opportunity to live more simply, cook for myself, and keep to a manageable budget. Being in a hotel as well meant I had the best of both worlds as it had an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the perfect antidote to tired and weary legs after running or a day’s exploring.
No holiday could be authentic for me without practicing my faith. My life has been been busy of late and I hald been struggling in my effort to make time for quiet contemplative prayer. The Lenten season, which Christians are now celebrating, has given me renewed discipline, and my holiday has helped slow myself down so that my soul is more receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I was blessed to attend the Church of Santana, where there is daily Eucharistic Adoration, and Igreja Matriz de Albufeira, the parish church, for Sunday Mass. It was uplifting to witness the devoutness of the congregation and the charismatic zeal of their pastor. Sometimes, in coming away, I feel it challenges me to witness more authentically myself in my Catholic faith. While I couldn’t understand Portuguese I couldn’t help but be moved by the commited Christian community I witnessed in Albufeira. I even made a new friend who kindly explained by sign language the Mass times and welcomed me in to the church for the Rosary.
Being on a holiday is like a personal retreat for me. I was accustomed to going on many spiritual retreats while I was involved in Church ministry. Now having a ‘secular’ job I feel that God is calling to use my holiday time wisely for rest and renewal, and so that I can strive to live life to the full. In reaching towards that goal I am determined to use my gifts to strive to Share the Good News and build God’s kingdom. I brought my spiritual journal on holidays and what a blessing it has been. I feel that Jesus speaks to me in a special way when I am in Adoration. This intimate prayer time slows down my mind and body so that I am at peace. It is thence that I can converse with the Lord, and he with me.
Shortly before my trip I was in a local bookshop in Mullingar. There was a Mix & Match deal 2 for €10, and one of the books I chose was ‘A New Earth‘ by Eckhart Tolle. I was struck by a review on the cover from Oprah Winfrey ‘Essential spiritual teaching. One of the most valuable books I’ve ever read.’ While Tolle is not aligned with any particular wisdom or tradition, a quick gaze through A New Earth prompted me to purchase the book and then to take it with me on holiday. In it Tolle conveys that there is a way out of suffering and into peace. I was particularly struck by the section ‘The Peace that Passes All Understanding’:-
Whenever tragic loss occurs, you either resist or you yield. Some people become bitter or deeply resentful; others become compassionate, wise, and loving. Yielding means inner acceptance of what is. You are open to life. Resistance is an inner contraction, a hardening of the shell of the ego. You are closed. Whatever action you take in a state of inner resistance (which we could also call negativity) will create more outer resistance, and the universe will not be on your side; life will not be helpful. If the shutters are closed, the sunlight cannot come in. When you yield internally, when you surrender, a new dimension of consciousness opens up. If action is possible or necessary… Circumstances and people then become helpful, cooperative. Coincidences happen. If no action is possible, you rest in the peace and inner stillness that come from surrender. You rest in God.
Page 57-58, A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle, Penguin Random House UK, 2016.
