Summer is a good time to take a break. We all need some holiday time to spend in rest and recreation, utilising the good weather and longer days to achieve some peace and restoration away from the busyness of ordinary day to day life. Recently I went on a summer road trip to Waterford in the southeast of Ireland. I have a particular grá or love for this part of the country affectionately known as the ‘Sunny South East’.
Holy Week is a symbolic and sacred time when Christians embark on the most solemn observance of the liturgical calendar. It reminds believers that through the earthly life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the gate between God and humanity, between heaven and earth, is opened for all.
In August 2021 I was diagnosed with a degenerate condition in my right foot which couldn’t be remedied through surgery. Getting the news from the Orthopedic Surgeon was deflating. As the surgeon himself remarked, ‘Patrick found it difficult to hear as he is very enthusiastic about his running’…I was recommended to replace some of my running time with swimming and cycling… I never learned to swim properly but my mind was made up to give it a go..
During these winter days I strive to make the most of the times of brightness to get outdoors. Even going for a short walk or jog gives me the opportunity to enjoy nature and distract myself from overthinking my own thoughts and concerns…Having faith has imbued me with a belief in a better day to come – it has helped me to find inner happiness, to embrace the support of others and ultimately to trust the promise of living in eternal peace with God in heaven.
Our Lady’s Island is a place of natural beauty and ecology which has offered solace and peace to countless pilgrims over the years and which continues to provide rest and renewal to the modern day visitor too. Recently I visited this pilgrimage site for the first time since a family outing there during my childhood and I found it to be an uplifting and prayerful experience.