Day 7

This morning was one of those relaxing mornings, although last night there were sirens going on at 2 or 3 in the morning, and it kept some of us up. Many of us woke up around 8 and were at breakfast by 8:30. Afterwards some of us went to exchange money at 9 o’clock, and then we went on our way to meet with sisters Mary and Phil at 9:30. We had a good lesson about St. Brigid, and Danielle told us all a lot as well. We then went to the heritage house to learn more about Kildare. The ride was very peaceful, and allowed us to relax a while longer and to sleep or look out the window at the beautiful scenery. While going to Kildare we passed the famous site Budweiser horse racing where the Irish horse racing festival was held. While we watched the video playing at the heritage house we learned that very little is known about Saint Brigid, but her mission was to help people and what she did still changes people today. After learning about the saint Brigid, we visited St. Brigid’s Cathedral. Here the most important part of Ireland is found. This is the sight where the light eternal fire was lit. At the cathedral we were all able to climb St. Brigid’s tower, which for some of us was quite frightening. On our way up the tower the stairs were getting narrower and narrower. The view from the top of the tower was amazing. You were able to see around for miles. We took a few pictures while on top of the tower, then began to venture down. I was relieved to see everyone come out of the tower unharmed. We then continued on to St. Brigid’s Wayside Well where we had Eucharist. Audrey and Danielle shared the role of leading part of a Celtic prayer. Danielle read the Scripture which came from the Gospel of Matthew 6:25-34. We, Audrey and Danielle, don’t know how everyone else felt about this reading, but it was especially special to the two of us. This reading was telling you to not worry about what you wear, eat, or drink, reminding us to take each day as it comes because today is enough trouble to worry about. For lunch we visited St. Brigid’s Well. The well was inspirational and emotional for some. Before leaving we gathered together to thank God for the ministry of Saint Brigid. Before we made and ate dinner we took a nice walk through part of the city and went to St. Steven Green park. This park is larger than Central Park. Here some of us played a game of soccer while the rest of us relaxed in the grass writing in out journals and talking amongst ourselves. Some of us returned to the hostel and others remained in the park until we all enjoyed a wonderful breakfast burrito dinner made by Corey, Karl, and George. We were also able to watch the world cup game between the United States and Ghana before going to bed. Sorry USA, you lost. Better luck next time eh?

Danielle Denney and Audrey Bartholomew