July 27, 2023
Rock of Cashel and Church of Ardmayle, Ireland
Read Hebrews 12.1-3 (and chapter 11)
Friday we left our beautiful hotel in Killarney, stopped for some photos, went to the quaint village of Ardale and then on to the Rock of Cashel before heading to Dublin.
The Rock of Cashel is the oldest and most famous of all the fortresses in Ireland. It is known for its beautiful Celtic crosses and massive Cathedral that is patterned after the cathedral in Regensburg, Germany. This is regarded as the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century.
After touring the Rock of Cashel, we headed to the Ardmayle Church surrounded by a cemetery. The church is no longer a functioning church but the cemetery is a place of burial. Of note, was Bob Patterson-Sumwalt's maternal relatives, the Longs of Longfield, who had settled near the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary County, Ireland. Three of the relatives are buried behind the church. A number of them emigrated to the United States.
I was reminded this day of the cloud of witnesses that have surrounded us. We have traveled around England and Ireland learning about history and the persons who have gone before us. They have made a great impact and subsequently shaped the world we live in today. What is our place in history? What will be remembered of us? For as those who have gone before us , we are called to run the race of life rooted in Christ for those who will come after us.
Prayer: Eternal God, thank you for reminders of our connection with those who have gone before us and to those who will come after us. Enable us to live lives that will continue on in the stories and history shared in the years to come. Amen.