A tale of two saints

It is of course the Assumption (when the BVM was assumed into Heaven) today and I paid a visit to my local Lady's Well. Every year it is beautifully decorated on this date and later this evening there will be an outdoor Mass. This well is pretty special for not only is the water clear, holding a cure for sore eyes and possibly also the home of a blessed fish (extra good luck if you see it), the BVM herself is said to have appeared here. Way back in Penal Times (late 18C) when Catholicism was banned, worship was often done in secret places in the countryside. Should a priest be caught he would be killed. A Mass was going on here, the soldiers had been alerted and were on their way when the BVM appeared, cast her cloak around the place, allowed the priest to escape and terrified the soldiers. I met a German walker who stood and looked in amazement. I tried to explain what was going on. Jensphotos - see your BVM looking rather fabulous in the extras. She's definitely gone native.

And coincidentally and rather interestingly it is also the feast day of one of my very favourite saints - St Odhran. He, believe it or not, is the patron saints of atheists! Apparently he offered himself as a sacrifice in sure and certainty that he would go straight to Heaven. He was buried and popped up three days later. What have you seen, the monks cried, what is Heaven like?  God is not as we imagine him, he said, There is no hell, and, nothing like heaven either. Horrified St Columba (this was on Iona) ordered him to be quickly reburied! My pal Finola tells the story wonderfully here. Food for thought!


Talking of food. Last night's visit to Bia Rebel was wonderful. The cooking was done in an immaculate sparkly airstream caravan - see back view in extra. The front was facing the patio of the pub and you could eat in or takeaway. They were doing a roaring trade and I had a Japanese curry - huge and delicious. Esme would have approved.