St. Valentine and Memories of Ireland
Photo Credit (c) 2014 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas
Whitefriar Street Church
In the heart of Dublin, we found it -
a sanctuary for saints –
from Bernadette – patroness of the sick and
the name Momma had chosen
but Dad couldn’t spell, thereby
giving me the nom of popular song –
to Valentine, patron of sweethearts,
martyred for Love.
Wandering through the nooks
filtered in stained-glass light
I find my old friends, Anthony,
patron of all things lost -
Theresa, the Little Flower,
gentle soul of small acts of kindness and
Michael, protector of those who serve –
police, firefighters, military.
To my surprise, Edith Stein, her portrait painted as Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross,
converted philosopher of loving wisdom,
meets me beside the smiling statue of
Blessed Titus Brandsma, a fellow journalist,
who gave himself joyfully to the workings
of Freedom and Peace.
Walking up and down the aisles,
I feel like I have just met with friends,
my soul nourished by stories told and remembered
by relics shared and admired
by burdens borne and released.
As the priest prepared for the first afternoon service,
we noticed how the pews filled
with those on a late lunch break
to street people seeking the warmth
unconditionally given here at this sacred site.
Upon leaving, we see the sign for the coffee shop,
within the walls of this blessed bethel –
as holy a place as one can find,
offering the communion of tea –
feeding the bodies of those
who have come to nurture their souls.
In the heart of Dublin, we found it -
a sanctuary for saints –
from Bernadette – patroness of the sick and
the name Momma had chosen
but Dad couldn’t spell, thereby
giving me the nom of popular song –
to Valentine, patron of sweethearts,
martyred for Love.
Wandering through the nooks
filtered in stained-glass light
I find my old friends, Anthony,
patron of all things lost -
Theresa, the Little Flower,
gentle soul of small acts of kindness and
Michael, protector of those who serve –
police, firefighters, military.
To my surprise, Edith Stein, her portrait painted as Saint Theresa Benedicta of the Cross,
converted philosopher of loving wisdom,
meets me beside the smiling statue of
Blessed Titus Brandsma, a fellow journalist,
who gave himself joyfully to the workings
of Freedom and Peace.
Walking up and down the aisles,
I feel like I have just met with friends,
my soul nourished by stories told and remembered
by relics shared and admired
by burdens borne and released.
As the priest prepared for the first afternoon service,
we noticed how the pews filled
with those on a late lunch break
to street people seeking the warmth
unconditionally given here at this sacred site.
Upon leaving, we see the sign for the coffee shop,
within the walls of this blessed bethel –
as holy a place as one can find,
offering the communion of tea –
feeding the bodies of those
who have come to nurture their souls.
© 2014 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas
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