Pilgrims and People

The joy of a Pilgrimage is not only in the places you visit but the people you meet, both inside and outside the bus. We were privileged to travel with people from both northern and southern California, Minnesota and Washington, D.C. Many are writers and poets, most have some connection with the New Camaldolese Hermitage in Big Sur, all are pilgrims seeking the truth and beauty of God in their lives -- and specifically in Irish spirituality and the landscape and history of Ireland. We are all blessed.

Here is Robin Somers, last seen sharing carrots on the bus. Robin teaches Writing at UCSC and is on the board of UCSC Farm and Garden. The horse seemed happy to pose with her. He was probably sniffing carrots in her pocket.

Lucia (full of light) Van Ruitan poses by the statue of the first Irish immigrant to be registered at Ellis Island, Annie Moore, with her two younger brothers. They set sail from Cobh, formerly Queenstown, and arrived at Ellis Island on January 1, 1892. Annie was given a ten dollar gold coin to commemorate the event. She also celebrated her 15th birthday that day. Lucia felt a connection to Annie because of her own family history which involved immigrating to the US from Holland. (The large ship in the background is the Queen Mary II.)

Teresita Venegas. friend of Lucia's and fellow member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Community, developed close ties with Jerry after he removed stitches from her head placed there by a kindly country doctor after she had fallen in Galway a week earlier. She's feeling much better at Glenstal Abbey in County Limerick.

We met Brother Emmaus, a former Camaldolese who is now a member of the Benedictines, the Black Robe Friars of Glenstal. This was a highlight of the trip for many of us. Glenstal is steeped in beauty on its 500 or so acres filled with steams, lakes and woodland paths. The Norman style main building was originally an estate owned by the Barringtons and became an Abbey in 1929. Abbot Mark Patrick Hederman has written books about the role of the artist in the church, and his vision becomes a reality at every step - from the reception room where we were given tea and delicious mini-scones to the underground vault housing priceless icons to the church with its boldly painted ceilings in primary colors. Emmaus brought us to the library where we saw his latest paintings. They have found a perfect home.

Emmaus' painting on four panels,Resurrection. Stunning.

We heard their chanting before we actually saw the monks enter the sanctuary. The simplicity and dignity of the Mass was moving.

The people of Ireland lit our hearts, and here are two good examples. Mary is a guide at the Rock of Cashel, also known as the Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock. It's in County Tipperary. (Couldn't help singing "It's a Long Way to Tipperary.") We loved Mary's lilt, humor and beauty (and why, at age 48, is she not married? "Because she chose not to," one of our fellow pilgrims wisely pointed out.) Mary brought history to life, and we could understand every word. It was another rainy, sunny day when rainbows are expected so we didn't mind the few showers. There's a rainbow in the distance in this photo.

Dare was our other favorite guide. Martin (remember, our bus driver?) was grousing that we liked Dare better because he had curly locks. Well, yes. Also, he was cuter. Dare's accent was a bit harder to follow, but it just made us listen harder. He guided us around tombstones and the ancient ruins of Glendalough in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains.

Glendalough, which means "Glen of Two Lakes" was founded in the sixth century by St. Kevin, a hermit priest. His sanctity attracted so many followers that a large settlement arose around his monastery. It's hard for a hermit to find time alone. We suspect that St. Kevin might have looked a lot like Dare.