Cliffs of Moher
Many a castle
Glenstal Abbey
Ireland
Very moved
Croagh Patrick
Sitting in Shannon, Ireland airport at 6:47 am. I slept 8 hours combined in the past 2 days so I am trying not to fall asleep at the gate. This week has been awesome. Focus held an international conference in the Irish countryside and we stayed at a castle at a Benedictine Monastery for a week. There was a lot of time for prayer, mass and reflection as well as many talks and a few days of trips, sightseeing etc. I must say that Ireland is the prettiest and most scenic country I have ever been to. The cliffs of Moher are absolutely a must see. Also in Western Ireland there is a place called Croagh Patrick which is the prettiest place I have ever been. There is a two hour hike up a very steep mountain which peaks into the clouds. There is an incredible view of the bay down below and some little towns and so so so much green. I read all these links about the most beautiful places in the world and I don't know how this place is not up top on all of those lists!
We went to mass yesterday in the city of Limerick at an absolutely stunning Cathedral called St. John's.
I was most moved spiritually in a long time before mass even began. In the middle of an all white crowd, a little 8 year old African boy came in to the back of the front section by himself and confidently took a seat. I was a couple pews behind him and I assumed his family would be joining him. Some people may not even notice but part of my ADD is that I notice everything and everyone around me. So this child really stood out. He sat there for a couple minutes before realizing that he didn't have a bulletin to follow along in Mass. He quickly scurried back to get one and then retook his seat. Several elderly Irish folks took seats next to him and mass began. I did not see how an eight year old boy would walk to mass by himself but he sat there the whole mass and just prayed and focused even more than I am capable of. I had an extra prayer book from Focus and a little crucifix so I gave it to him while we were extending peace. However, when we went up to communion, he did not understand that there was a line and a process so he just charged up to the front and came back the same way he came. Here this kid was eager to pray, receive Jesus in the Eucharist and be in an environment that most kids would be scared of and completely bored by. I saw God in him. That's all I can say about it on here.
Anyways, off to London, and Munich now to visit the great Lord of Bavaria, Daniel Schmieding. I expect nothing less than an incredible time.
1. The Script - Hall of Fame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtgoDXEOxTM
2. Brendan James - Nothin But Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdYZTtCoHk0
3. Imagine Dragons - My fault
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_iZVgwXJ7M
4. Lumineers - Ho Hey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvCBSSwgtg4
Enjoy and God Bless
Nick
