Assumption

Another busy day and too late to blip as I was at an open air Mass at a holy well - not a sentence you will see very often. Today was (I'm writing on Tuesday) the Assumption of the BVM (when she was assumed into Heaven) and a day when many holy wells dedicated to the BVM have their special pattern day - including my local well. I went for an early morning recce to pay my respects and met the well keeper - his family have had this role for four generations he told me. We chatted as you do and I complimented him on how beautifully the well was kept - today everywhere decorated with hydrangeas  He told me there was a Mass at 7.30 so I thought, in the interests of research, I ought to attend. Thunder clouds were looming but the rain held off and around 40 people, young, old and babes in arms gathered in a very midgy spot to witness Mass being held here as it has been for hundreds of years - originally illegally and in secret. I have to confess being quite shocked by the opening reading which was from the Book of Apocalypse and focused on Mary giving birth in the desert, a massive red dragon looming with seven heads, horns and coronets one each head, ready to eat the baby!  Er what about the manger and lambs and shepherds? Back home I had to consult with my friend Finola who knows about this kind of thing, and yes, this was standard. Communion was given and then I was pleased to see several people stepped forward to take water from the well.
 Whatever you believe, this place does hold something special and I think it's vital that these traditions are respected and continued, and can be approached and used in many different ways as needed.