Heehee!  

Had to share this one in case anyone didn't get the forward on Facebook.

Boy, would this have come in handy a few short years ago!

Now-a-days, though, I'd replace the child carrier with a pouch for my reader glasses and extra holy cards, rosaries, and chapel veils to supply the kidlets -- and since I really wouldn't bring Starbux into Mass with me, maybe a little pocket for a five-hour-energy...

For the Feast of St. Martin de Porres

* A great favorite of ours for many reasons, Martin de Porres is especially lovable to me, as a mom, for his sweet humility and cheerful acceptance of menial chores.  A man of low birth and even subject to contempt in his time, dear  St. Martin  rose to lofty heights of spirituality, but, you'd never have known it by his demeanor.  He was as comfortable sweeping the courtyard of the monastery as he was settling family disputes in town or miraculously saving a man falling off of a high building.  Always cheerful, always self-effacing, always a practical man, in Martin is usually represented in iconography with a broom, or lowly animals (especially mice), but he is on record as one of the most amazing miracle workers on the calendar of saints.  The illegitimate son of a black slave and a Spanish nobleman, he was fortunate to have been trained as a barber/surgeon (It always astounds me that those two skills were paired together back in the day!), and was well-known throughout his hometown of Lima, Peru, for his charity before he ever became famous for his wonders.  His life of penitence and prayer, and his particular charity to all -- man and beast -- set him apart in Heaven and on Earth.  But, his miracles!  Well, let's just say it's wonderfully faith-affirming to hear the stories of St. Martin's wonders!

Here are just a few, from here:

Among the many miracles attributed to Saint Martin were levitation, bilocation (being in two places at one time), miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures, and an ability to communicate with animals.



Working with the sick outside his convent, Martin is said to have often effected their healing with only a simple glass of water. One day, an aged beggar, covered with ulcers and almost naked, stretched out his hand, and Martin took him to his own bed, paying no heed to the fact of his condition. One of his fellow monks, considering he had gone too far in his charity, reproved him. Martin is recorded as replying: “Compassion, my dear Brother, is preferable to cleanliness. Reflect that with a little soap I can easily clean my bed covers, but even with a torrent of tears I would never wash from my soul the stain that my harshness toward the unfortunate would create.”


Deeply devoted to the sacrament of the Eucharist, Martin reportedly remained at prayer before the sacramental altar one night despite a fire that broke out, remaining in blissful contemplation while confusion and chaos reigned around him.


When an epidemic struck Lima, 60 residents of the convent took sick, many of them novices in a distant and locked section of the monastery, separated from the those who had taken Holy Orders. Martin reportedly passed through the locked doors to care for them, a phenomenon which was observed in the residence more than once. The ordained monks, too, reported suddenly seeing Marin appear beside them without the doors having been opened.

And, one of our favorite stories, from here:



On the lighter side, often we see Martin pictured in his Dominican habit holding a broom, with a mouse and dog at his feet. There is an interesting anectdote about mice. One time there seemed to be a mouse "convention" in the wardrobe room of the monastery, where they feasted on the finest linen garments and sheets, leaving the old ones untouched. Some of the monks wanted to poison the rodents, but Martin would not hear of it. One day he caught a little mouse and held him gently, and said, "Little brother, why are you and your companions doing so much harm to the things belonging to the sick? Look; I shall not kill you, but you are to assemble all your friends and lead them to the far end of the garden. Everyday I will bring you food if you leave the wardrobe alone," After Martin let go of the mouse, there was scurrying from every nook and cranny and the procession started towards the monastery garden. Martin, tall and slender, with long strides, led the mice to their new home. Everyday he brought them a meal and no mouse ever set claw or tooth in the monastery wardrobe.

 And, so, today, we made mice in honor of St. Martin!

Twinkies, with a quarter end cut off (and eaten), then the rest frosted with chocolate icing (which ended up all over everyone's hands and faces -- and not a little bit in our tummies)...

Then, bits of candy for the eyes and nose, Raisinettes for the ears and little feet, and uncooked spaghetti noodles stuck in for whiskers.  We wanted thin black licorice for the tails, but couldn't find any at the store, so we just settled for a piece of brown yarn. 

 And here it is.  Dessert after dinner tonight and a sweet remembrance of a great feast!

Bl. Martin is the patron of:

 the diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, black people, hair stylists, innkeepers, mixed-race people, Peru, poor people, public education, public health, public schools, race relations, social justice, state schools, television,Mexico

(Note how St. Martin is the patron saint of public health?  I expect we should be applying to him for some intercession in Washington right now...)

He lived between 1579 and 1639; here are the details of his death and commemoration, found here:

Martin was a friend of both Saint John de Massias and Saint Rose of Lima. When he died in Lima on November 3, 1639, Martin was known to the entire city. Word of his miracles had made him known as a saint throughout the region. As his body was displayed to allow the people of the city to pay their respects, each person snipped a tiny piece of his habit to keep as a relic. It is said that three habits were taken from the body. His body was then interred in the grounds of the monastery.



After he died, the miracles and graces received when he was invoked multiplied in such profusion that his body was exhumed after 25 years and said to be found intact, and exhaling a fine fragrance. Letters to Rome pleaded for his beatification; the decree affirming the heroism of his virtues was issued in 1763 by Pope Clement XIII. Pope Gregory XVI beatified Martin de Porres in the year 1837. Nearly one hundred and twenty five years later Blessed Martin was canonized in Rome by Pope John XXIII on May 6, 1962. His feast day is November 3rd.

** Must-haves regarding St. Martin:  St Martin's Mice story book, St. Martin de Porres, by Mary Fabyan Windeatt, St. Martin De Porres, Apostle of Charity by: Giuliana Cavallini

* This post reprinted from November 2009 -- with a couple of pictures of Bl. Martin added.  Look how little the children were!  Goodness, time flies!  And I have so little right now at this juncture of my life, that I have to rely on old posts!  My apologies, friends -- but I didn't want to neglect the feast of dear Bl. Martin today.  I miss blogging, though -- and the camaraderie of other blogging friends that I don't get time to visit with lately, either.  Hopefully I'll be able to work sitting at the computer back into the swing of things here soon...

Remembering the Holy Souls in November

Indulgences for All Souls' Day

From noon on November 1 to midnight on November 2 (a span of 36 hours), the Catholic faithful, as often as they visit a church to pray for the faithful departed, and recite six times during each visit the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of the Church, may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the souls in purgatory, under the usual conditions of:

*Confession (within a week before or after)


*Holy Communion (within the day before or up to a week after)


This plenary indulgence may also be gained from noon on the following Saturday to midnight on the following Sunday, but only by those who did not gain it on the preceding November 1st and 2nd. Note: When November 2 falls on a Sunday, All Souls’ Day is transferred to November 3rd and the gaining of the Toties Quoties indulgence begins on Sunday, November 2, at noon, lasting all through the day until midnight on November 3rd.

Other Indulgences for the Month of November

Those who, within the octave of All Souls’ Day, visit the cemetery in a spirit of piety and devotion and pray, even only mentally, for the departed, may gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (confession, Communion, and an Our Father and a Hail Mary for the intentions of the Church (on each day of the octave, applicable only to the Holy Souls in purgatory.


Those who recite prayers or perform other devout exercises for the departed during this month may gain an indulgence of 3 years each day of the month, and a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, if they perform these devotions daily for the entire month.


Those who during November take part in public services held in a church in intercession for the faithful departed may gain an indulgence of 7 years on each day of the month, and a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions if they do so on at least 15 days.

(Cited here.)
I'll try to post a few pictures of some of the places we go this week, as the cemeteries in our valley are almost always situated in the most beautiful places you can imagine.  When we enter a cemetery, we will usually say a "blanket" De Profundis prayer (below), but then, as we walk around, visiting the graves, we make a point not to pass a single grave that we don't ask God to bless the soul of the one lying there; i.e., God bless the soul of Michael O'Flannery!  God bless the soul of Julio!  Bless Mr and Mrs. Barelli! 

* Prayers for the Holy Souls

Our Lord promised St. Gertrude the following prayer, said devoutly, would free 1,000 souls from purgatory:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus,in union with the Masses said throughout the world today,for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory,for sinners everywhere,for sinners in the Universal Church,those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

Another Good Prayer:

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful: grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins: that through pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired: Who livest and reignest...

The De Profundis:
(Indulgences found in the Racolta)

Ps. 129.

Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.

Let Thine ears be attentive: to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark our iniquities: O lord, who can abide it?
For with Thee there is mercy: and by reason of Thy law I have waited on Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath waited on His word : my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even unto night: let Israel hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him is plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel: from all his iniquities.
Eternal rest give to them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.


V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.


Let us pray.


O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful; grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that by our devout supplications they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.


V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.

In  Latin:

Ps. 129.
De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine: * Domine, exaudi vocem meam.
Fiant aures tuae intendentes: * in vocem deprecationis meae.
Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine: * Domine, quis sustinebit?
Quia apud te propitiatio est: * propter legem tuam sustinui te, Domine.
Sustinuit anima mea in verbum ejus: * speravit anima mea in Domino.
A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: * speret Israel in Domino.
Quia apud Dominum misericordia: * et copiosa apud eum redemptio.
Et ipse redimet Israel: * ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.
Requiem aeternam * dona eis, Domine.
Et lux perpetna luceat eis.
Requiescant in pace.
Amen.


End at pleasure with the following:


V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam,
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

* This post reprinted from AWTY November, 2011

Happy Feast of All Saints!

Now this is a feast I can sink my teeth into!

Now that the vigil is over, thank God (Oh!  Did I say that out loud?)...

Um. Sorry, folks.  I know it gets the collective dander up to openly admit that we're Halloween Scrooges over here at our house, but honestly, now...  It's not like we opt out of Christmas, ya know.

We love holidays, love the annual march through the calendar of the Liturgical Year.  We thoroughly enjoy the traditions surrounding the change of the seasons -- and have no problem with secular holidays that have wholesome meaning.  We're all over Groundhog Day, do up the hearts and flowers big-time at St. Valentine's,  wave our flags on the Fourth of July, and carve pumpkins in October -- while drinking pumpkin spice latte.

But -- and we truly don't think it makes us better than anyone else -- we just don't like Halloween as it's commonly celebrated. We do not trick or treat or do the spooky-ooky thing on the day before All Saints' Day.  And I don't apologize for this.  (Sorry, but I don't  ;0)   I do feel bad if others think this choice for our family is a judgment on them, though.  And I totally bristle when folks act like they feel sorry for our children -- as if they're missing out on something.  (Sheesh! Puh-lease.)  We just prefer to whoop it up on the Feast of All Saints.

Michelle -- not here -- this is her
on All Saints' Day last year.
(I just wanted to see her face....)

After Mass this morning, we pigged out on pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin bread.  We took the day off of school and are going to our favorite Chinese buffet as a special treat for lunch.  We were going to take a hike up to the Bridge of Heaven (a highly touted trail on the top of the world here)  -- but we have a couple youngin's who are under the weather, so we'll likely find a good movie to watch this afternoon instead and have a "finger food feast" (wherein we make all our favorite crudites and appetizers and spread them out on a picnic blanket in front of our movie), and angel food cake and strawberries for dessert.  Then, after we pick up Dan at the airport, we'll have our "parade of the saints" event, where the children, dressed as the most obscure saint they could find, recite their "clue speeches" and try to stump Daddy and Dominic.  (Can't stump me, though; I corrected their speeches as part of their English and penmanship assignments yesterday, so I'm the only one who knows who everybody is... heh heh heh...)

We hope everyone had a safe and fun Boo-Day yesterday, but its being a mere prelude to today's real feast, I'll skip the Halloween greetings (because it makes no sense, for instance to say "Happy Christmas Eve! Or Happy Day Before Easter!)...  But we would like to wish everyone, far and near, a

Very Happy Feast of All Saints!  

May the prayers of all those who see the Face of our Father in Heaven cascade down upon us all!

Let the party begin!

*  If anyone is really interested on our opinion and reasons behind our opting-out-of-Halloween decision, you can read all about it (ad nauseum) here.  I think I've written a post about it just about every year since I first started blogging -- that was way back in 2006-2007....  Not like its a cause or anything.  Just one of those things that you can't help but need to address if you're one of very few families not  posting pictures of your kids' pumpkins full of candy today.  :0)

* Stay tuned for the Feast of All Souls tomorrow!

Viva Christo Rey!

On the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated on the last Sunday of October (the Sunday before the Feast of All Saints) and initiated in 1925 by Pius XI in his Encyclical Quas Primas, there follows after the Mass a Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We kneel before the Sacrament and recite the following consecration. Afterwards, there is a litany and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In praying the Consecration, going to Confession, and receiving the Holy Eucharist on this day (when devoutly done), the faithful receive a plenary indulgence.

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but, to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart.

Many indeed have never known Thee; many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to Thy Father's house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.

Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy towards the children of the race, once Thy chosen people: of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: "Praise be to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever." Amen. 

October

Near Ironton, CO, 2011

O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall; 

Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

archives

The crows above the forest call;

Tomorrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow,

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away.

Somewhere in Colorado, 2012

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes' sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost --

For the grapes' sake along the wall.

~ Robert Frost

Celebrating the Feast of St. Raphael, October 24th

Most of our knowledge of the Archangel Raphael comes to us from the Book of Tobias. Because of his mission as a wonderful healer and the fellow traveler, guide and counselor of young Tobias, St. Raphael is invoked for journeys and at any critical moment in life. Tradition also holds that Raphael is the angel that stirred the waters at the healing sheep pool in Bethesda. His name means "God has healed".

St. Raphael is one of the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of God. He is known as the healer. He is powerful and is called on for help in the healing of maladies in both humans and animals. Because of his mission as the fellow traveler, guide and counselor of young Tobias, as described in the book of Tobias, St. Raphael is also known as patron of travelers, for both geographical and spiritual journeys.

Saint Raphael, the healer is recorded as having helped Tobias make balms and ointments from fish to cure Tobit's (Tobias's father) blindness.  The Archangel Raphael healed Abraham of the pain of circumcision, an operation the patriarch had avoided until late in his life. He also cured the disjointed thigh Jacob suffered while wrestling with the angel.  Raphael's name, in fact, means 'God's Healing.'  He is called upon by doctors, therapists. surgeon, all healers and is turned to for healing of mental illness, as well.  It is also thought that he may have given Noah a medical book which gave Noah the knowledge necessary on the Ark, and is therefore also called upon for illness in animals.

Saint Raphael is also called the Angel of Science and Knowledge. He is often referred to as 'Regent' or 'Angel of the Sun'. Because of his bright countenance, his sanguine and companionable treatment of Tobias, St. Raphael is considered the most sociable of the archangels; it is imagined that he has the best sense of humor and the happiest disposition. It is said that Raphael delights in bringing health and happiness everywhere he goes.

Prayers for St. Raphael's Intercession

Saint Raphael Prayer
Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel, We beseech thee to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as thou, through the power of God, didst restore sight and give guidance to young Tobit.We humbly seek thine aid and intercession, that our souls may be healed,our bodies protected from all ills, and that through divine grace we may be made fit to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.

St. Raphael Prayer for Healing
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.
I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God" I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (here   mention your special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Raphael Before a Trip
Dear St. Raphael, your lovely name means "God heals." The Lord sent you to young Tobias to guide him throughout a long journey. Upon his return you taught him how to cure his father's blindness. How natural, therefore, for Christians to pray for your powerful help for safe travel and a happy return. This is what we ask for ourselves as well as for all who are far from home. Amen.

Prayer for Protection From All Evil
Most Holy Mother, Queen of the Angels and Archangels, send me your Champion, the Archangel Saint Raphael, let him heal me of all my spiritual and physical ailments in JESUS' HOLY NAME. May he protect me from satan and all the evil spirits. Saint Raphael be my guide and protector on my journey through life. O' glorious Saint Raphael the Archangel, herald of blessings, pray for us! Amen.


Prayer to St. Raphael: For the Choice of a Good Spouse
St. Raphael, you were sent by God to guide young Tobiah in choosing a good and virtuous spouse. Please help me in this important choice which will affect my whole future. You not only directed Tobiah in finding a wife, but you also gave him guidelines which should be foremost in every Christian marriage: "Pray together before making important decisions." If through prayer we keep God as the "third Partner" in our marriage, we will have the strength and grace we need to always accept and do His will. Amen.
Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory be...

The Whole List of St. Raphael's Causes 

He is patron of:  The blind; bodily ills; counselors; druggists; eye problems; guardian angels; happy meetings; healers; health inspectors; health technicians; love; lovers; mental illness; nurses; pharmacists; physicians; shepherds; against sickness; therapists; travellers; young people; young people leaving home for the first time; Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington.

His Symbols Are: 
A staff; a wallet and fish; staff and gourd; traditional rendering of a winged archangel; young man carrying a staff; young man carrying a fish; archangel walking with youthful Tobias; holding a bottle or flask; symbolic colors, gray or yellow.p 
Prayer: Patron of 

Ways to Celebrate the Day:

* Bake a traditional cake just for the feast of St. Raphael:

Gateau St. Raphael
Ingredients
6 egg yolks  1/2 cup sugar  1/2 cup flour  2 cups hot milk 2 TB butter  2TB yellow Chartreuse 4 eggs, separated	3/4 cup sugar  1/2 tsp salt  1 tsp vanilla  3/4 cup flour  1/4 cup angelica, chopped fine  powdered sugar
Instructions
Beat egg yolks in a 3-quart saucepan for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating for 3 minutes or until mixture is lemon colored and forms a ribbon when beaters or whisk is lifted out. Beat in 1/2 cup flour a little at a time. Then beat in milk a little at a time. Bring mixture to a low boil and continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and beat in butter. Stir in Chartreuse. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent skin from forming. Chill in refrigerator at least 6 hours. Preheat oven to 400º F. Butter sides and bottom of a 15"x10" jellyroll pan. Line pan with wax paper and butter top of paper . Beat 4 egg yolks for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in 3/4 cup sugar and continue beating until mixture is lemon colored and forms a ribbon when the beaters or whisk is lifted out. Beat egg whites until and salt in a separate bowl until stiff. Beat in vanilla. Pour yolk mixture over egg whites and fold in gently. Sprinkle mixture with flour and angelica and fold in gently. Pour batter into jellyroll pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake cake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Sprinkle powdered  sugar over a muslin or "flour sack" towel and turn out cake on powdered towel Cool for 4 hours. Remove waxed paper from cake.. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and chill 4 hours before serving * There is a wonderful Feasting "Fair" with the Angels in the archives at Catholic Cuisine with many ideas for celebrating the angels' feast days, culinary and otherwise!  Many, many links!   Check it out here. * Discuss with the children the important patronages of St. Raphael.  Some ideas: after reading the story of Tobit and Tobias in the Bible, it's easy to draw out good conversations about:   + obedience and the reward for good works (Tobias in relation to his Father, Tobit, and his father's healing)    + hospitality and kindness (as the Archangel Raphael's protection to Tobias on the long journey exemplifies)    + caution on journeys and our reliance on good guides here on earth and in the heavenly realm (remind them to pray to St. Raphael as well as St. Christopher before all journeys)    + the importance of choosing a good spouse, and relying on the counsel of others in this very important decision (as Tobias accepts the guidance of St. Raphael)    + the reality that the angels are truly at our side (all of them with our prayers for their intercession, and our Guardian Angels for every moment of our lives -- and in purgatory, too!) * Here is a coloring page for the day, unfortunately not specific to St. Raphael, but it will do in a pinch.  Around the sides of this image, I plan to have the children draw the symbols of St. Raphael themselves:  fish, a staff, a gourd, maybe even young Tobias -- possibly even with young Tobias' bride. (Nothing better that a little girl likes to draw than brides in brides' dresses!) * And two more -- though, fair warning --  they will probably not enlarge well.  They might work best if they were made into a bookmarks, or used to embelish a page in which the children copy out one of the prayers to St. Raphael, above. Our Personal Prayer to St. Raphael Dear St. Raphael, please guide all travelers safely home -- but especially our family's two travelers right now, Dominic and Michelle, who are leaving Ireland tomorrow -- Dominic for home, Michelle to spend another month or so in Austria before coming back to America.  Keep them both safe in mind, body, and spirit!   Also, a prayer in advance for our son Paul, who will be leaving for a six week mission in a very dangerous land within the next month; please guide him, prepare him, protect him, and don't leave his side for a minute until he is safely home! And please keep Kevin, and Dan, and Grandpa safe while they travel to join together to spend some "boy time" together with Paul before he leaves.  And, I expect we'll have more travel petitions to add soon... But, regardless of where our feet take us on this earth, please keep all of our souls aimed and moving toward our loving Father in heaven.   Amen. Happy, Happy Feast of the Holy Archangel, St. Raphael -- Who Always Beholds the Face of God in Heaven!

What To See and Do in Wicklow, Ireland, Kids

In the hopes that Dominic and Michelle can get on the computer at their hotel to get this information  (all in one place and somewhat edited for their convenience):

Sunrise over the Black Castle ruins near Wicklow, Ireland.  A little stretch of the legs from Dominic and Michelle's hotel.

Wicklow Town Specs

Wicklow (Cill Mhantáin in Irish) is the county town of County Wicklow in Ireland. Located south of the capital Dublin on the east coast of Ireland, it has a population of 6,835 (as of the 2006 census report). Including rural population, the figure becomes 12,675. The town lies along the N11 route between Dublin and Wexford. Wicklow is also connected to the rail network with Dublin commuter services now extending to the town. Additional services connect with Arklow, Wexford and Rosslare, a main Ferry Port. There is also a commercial port, mainly importing timber.

Where to Hike and What the Land Looks Like

Wicklow town occupies a rough circle around Wicklow harbour. To the immediate North lies 'The Murrough', a popular grassy walking area beside the sea, and the eastern coastal strip. The land rises into rolling hills to the West. The dominant feature to the south is the rocky headland known as 'Wicklow Head', the easternmost mainland point in the Republic of Ireland (technically the easternmost point in the Republic is on Lambay Island off Co. Dublin).

To the south is a string of sandy beaches extending almost as far as Arklow. These beaches are clean and well managed and are popular with bathers and anglers alike, with numerous caravan parks adjacent to them. The best known is Brittas Bay, a 2km stretch of soft, powdery sand. Sand dunes and tall beach grass provide some protection against erosion, which is a considerable threat to this stretch of coast. Brittas has an EU Blue Flag recognising its clean water.

Interesting History to Ponder While You Hike

St. Patrick's Church, Wicklow
Here's the Parish Bulletin!
Photo snapped by Dominic on his
phone after arriving in Wicklow tonight.
It's right behind their hotel!

Local history contends that the town of Wicklow was founded by the Vikings, probably around 870 AD. The name 'Wicklow' comes from 'Vikinglow', meaning 'meadow of the vikings', or more likely 'Wykynlo', meaning 'Viking Loch'. However, given the town's natural harbour and rich agricultural surrounds, it is not surprising that the area was an established settlement prior to the 9th century.

The Irish name Cill Mhantáin has an interesting history of its own. St. Patrick is said to have attempted to land on Travailahawk beach, to the south of the harbour. Hostile locals attacked the landing party causing one of the Saint's party to lose his front teeth. Manntach (toothless one), as he became known was undeterred and returned to the town, eventually founding a church. Hence 'Cill Mhantáin', meaning 'Church of the toothless one'. There is however no evidence, material or written, that such a local holy man ever existed and the name Cill Mantain could in theory be assigned as a toponym, suggesting a chapel overlooking the rather gap-toothed topographical shape of the local harbour.

The English-language 'Wicklow' placename bears no relation to the original Irish Cill Mhantáin ('Church of Mantáin'). The Normans who came to dominate the area, preferred the non-Gaelic placename. The Norman influence can still be seen today in some of the town's place and family names.

Some Things to Find and See

After the Norman invasion Wicklow was granted to Maurice FitzGerald who set about building the 'Black Castle', a land-facing fortification that lies ruined on the coast immediately south of the harbour.

The ruins of the Black Tower on the east side of Wicklow.
Follow S. Quay St. all the way out to the most seaward point.
A hike south down the coastline will get you to the two Wicklow lighthouses.
Free to go take a look -- but wear comfy shoes and bring your poncho.

The surrounding County of Wicklow is rich in bronze age monuments. The oldest existing settlement in the town is the Franciscan Abbey, located at the west end of Main Street, within the gardens of the local Roman Catholic parish grounds.

The ruins of the Franciscan Abbey (13th century)
From the Gaol, go south on High St. and Inland on St. Patrick's Rd to
St. Patrick's church.  the Abbey ruins, as far as I can figure out, are
on the church grounds, as well as extensive gardens -- including a
Marian garden founded in the year of Mary, 1954. Free to go take a look!

Other notable buildings include the Town Hall and the Gaol, built in 1702 and recently renovated as a heritage centre and tourist attraction. The East Breakwater, arguably the most important building in the town, was built in the early 1880s by Wicklow Harbour Commissioners. The architect was William George Strype and the builder was John Jackson of Westminster. The North Groyne was completed by about 1909 - John Pansing was the designer and Louis Nott of Bristol the builder. The Gaol was a place of execution up to the end of the 19th century and it was here that Billy Byrne, a leader of the 1798 rebellion, met his end in 1799. He is commemorated by a statue in the town square. At Fitzwilliam Square in the centre of Wicklow town is an obelisk commemorating the career of Captain Robert Halpin, commander of the telegraph cable ship Great Eastern who was born in Wicklow in 1836, and arguably the most important mariner in global 19th century maritime history.

The Wicklow Gaol is hard to miss as it's smack in the middle
of Wicklow on the main road.  It's become quite an attraction
and is highly commercialized.  This time of year it's all about
the Halloween Themed attractions.  Admission 7.30 Eur.

* Thanks to Emerald Isle Gifts for this summary!

It was here in Wicklow county, where the Avonmore and the Beg Rivers meet to form the Avoca, that Thomas Moore penned his famous Irish Melody, “The Meeting of the Waters”.

The Meeting Of The Waters,

There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet
As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet;
Oh! the last rays of feeling and life must depart,
Ere the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart.

Yet it was not that nature had shed o`er the scene
Her purest of crystal and brightest of green;
`Twas not her soft magic of streamlet or hill,
Oh! no - it was something more exquisite still.

`Twas that friends, the beloved of my bosom, were near,
Who made every dear scene of enchantment more dear,
And who felt how the best charms of nature improve,
When we see them reflected from looks that we love.

Sweet vale of Avoca! how calm could I rest
in thy bosom of shade, with the friends I love best,
Where the storms that we feel in this cold world should cease,

If you happened to get here, it'd be 7.50
Euro per person admission.

And our hearts, like thy waters, be mingled in peace.

Within an easy drive but too far  to walk from Wicklow, you could find  Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland's highest falls at 398 ft. Surrounded by beautiful forests and specimen trees, the falls eventually flow into the Dargle River. Many hiking trails and picnic areas.

Also, of note, is that it's only 100 miles (or about 3 hours) drive from Wicklow to Glendalough, where St. Kevin's Monastary and round tower is located -- a place the Ireland Kids wanted to to visit.  But there's no public transportation from Wicklow to Glendalough.  Nowhere.  Nohow.  So, in order to see St. Kevin's (in honor of their brother, Kevin, and his patron saint, and because it's just a cool thing to do), Michelle and Dominic are going to take the bus back to Dublin Tuesday morning, so they can take the tour bus that'll bring them to past Wicklow and on to Glendalough and St. Kevin's.  "Going around their fingers to get to their thumbs," but what are ya gonna do? 

St. Kevin's monastary grounds in Glendalough.  Several bus tours make
this destination from Dublin.  A couple make it from Wexford. None from Wicklow,

Other than that sort of inconvenience, and that fact that the young people say they've walked miles and miles and miles, and most of them in circles -- all is going well with them on the Emerald Isle.  Money is getting scarcer and scarcer, especially since the kids are looking at price tags and adding up the Euros as if they were dollars -- so their account was alarmingly lower than they thought it was this afternoon -- but they have enough to get by.  And these little things haven't remotely dampened their spirits!  They've been mistaken for locals twice -- and I'm wondering if they're speaking with a brogue and getting away with it.  If anyone could do it, those two could...  

More updates as I get them.  And plenty of pictures as soon as they get back with their memory card. (I can't *wait* to see the pictures and hear all the stories!)

**Very cool blog that hilights the off-the-beaten-track ruins of Ireland and how to get to them -- if you have a car -- can be found here.

***  All pics "borrowed" from tourism sites.  Didn't think they'd mind, as we're all working toward just about the same goal...