Thursday, March 20, 2008

Knock on Holy Thursday



We just arrived in Dublin. The weather has been really bad all day. We spent a couple of hours at the Knock Shrine. I can't explain the feeling that I had there.

We are having trouble with the wireless here at the hotel. I had to come down stairs to put yesterday's in. I am going to write more and then add some pictures to the previous blogs. I also just realized that one of my posts earlier this week was saved and not posted so please go back a bit to see the previous ones.

At Knock, I got Holy Water and spent some time in the chapel. I also got Cameron a rosary and prayer book from the Shrine for his First Holy Communion and Confirmation in May. I said a special prayer for Phil and am bringing him some Holy Water!

After going to Knock, I have many questions for my aunt Teresa about dates and times when our great grandmother came to the United States. It is hard to explain, but I really felt a connection there. I would like to come back again and spend more time in this area. It is beautiful. Westport, where we stayed last night, is a small town, but very busy and very beautiful. The pub where we ate was all locals and that was really fun.

Traveling anywhere in Ireland isn't very far in terms of miles, but the roads make things take so much longer. Today as we traveled across Ireland, there are many new roads being built and we were on a "divided highway" for much of the time.

We are staying in the heart of downtown Dublin tonight and tomorrow night. We walked a long way to find a place to eat tonight. There were many places around, but we walked to see what was available. Tomorrow is Good Friday and all of the pubs and restaurants and everything else will be closed. The desk clerk told me that we would have to make reservations to eat somewhere. I checked with the hotel "pub" and they are open. She did say that all of the tourist attractions would be open. I don't really have much I want to see tomorrow. I do want to go to Trinity College and see the Book of Kells.

Both Patrick and I are really tired tonight, but it is a good tired. We don't have to get up and go tomorrow as we are in this hotel for a couple of days. It will be nice not to have to rush in the morning.

This whole week has been an incredible experience. I definitely want to come back and spend some quality time in a few places. I thank Patrick for taking me here!!

2 remarks:

Carol Dunton said...

What a beautiful picture of the clouds... I think it's incredible that you two are able to go to the land of your ancestors and rekindle and connect with your heritage on home soil. What a lifetime experience. I just realized that you are going to be there, too, for holy week and Easter! (a bit) What a trip! God bless and keep you safe until we see you home! We love you, miss you and are so very, very happy for you both! (does a little Irish jig!)
: )
Carol

Anonymous said...

Sheila and Patrick,

We miss you. We are enjoying reading the blog and feel like we have had a chance to visit Ireland with you. I went to feed Careem and the cats tonight. Your house seemed so quiet and empty with Kerri and Cameron in Douglas. I spent time with Careem, he cried when I left. Even your old dog knows something is different.

Mom, Kerri, and Cameron will be here tomorrow. We look forward to seeing them. We will attend Easter Mass at St. Timothy's in honor of Alexis Franco (Salzbrenner) at 10:30. Sandy continues to cope day to day. I told Patrick took you to Ireland and she thought that was great.

Dan Kline says "hi" and he thinks it is wonderful that Patrick took you back to Ireland.

Spending last weekend in Douglas was very difficult. Anyone who reads this, I hope you will pray for our Mary. She is not doing well. Bring her some holy water.
We have all been so blessed to have Mary as a second mother.

Enjoy the rest of your time. See you Sunday.