Speaking of Spirit

Ancestor veneration is practiced around the world in many countries. The rites and rituals are based on the belief that our ancestors, as well as the souls of those who have gone on before us, still play a role in our daily lives.  Thousands of years ago, my Celtic ancestors honored the dead during the observance of Samhain (pronounced SOW-in in Ireland). They welcomed their dead home, asked that the harvested fields become fertile once more, and warned off restless spirits with grotesquely carved turnips. A sacred fire was lit atop Tlachtga , while on Tara members of the Irish tribes gathered. All the fires in Ireland would be extinguished at this time. Families would light a torch from the great fire on Tlachtga, bring it home and relighting their home fires, which were kept burning year round.  This was a time of endings and beginnings. A time to gather in and cast off. A time to remember and a time to forget. Summer and all its glories were past; winter w...

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 t...

One thing I have learned over the years, is that when it comes to blessings, the Irish are eloquently articulate. On this St. Patrick's Day weekend, I offer some of my favorites. An Old Irish Blessing  May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.  An Irish Prayer  May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.  An Old Celtic Blessing  May the blessing of light be on you— light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire.  An Old Irish Blessing  May love and laughter light your days, and warm your...