And Patrick went forth to the summit of the mountain, over Crochan Aigli, and he stayed there forty days and forty nights. And mighty birds were around him, so that he could not see the face of the sky or earth or sea. For God had said to all the saints of Ireland (past, present, and to come): Go up, o' ye saints, above the mountain which towers and is higher than all the mountains that are towards the setting of the sun. Go up to bless the peoples of Ireland. -- from the Collectanea of Tirechán, c. 600s It was just one of those random wanderings down a medieval lane. I was reading the introduction to a version of St. Patrick's Confessio and was impressed by the drama and beauty of the passage. As noted, it was not written by Saint Patrick, but about him, and in reference to the beloved pilgrimage site now called Croagh-Patrick in County Mayo, Ireland. Every year since medieval times, pilgrims have climbed to the summit the last Sunday of July in honor of Saint Patrick, and masses are held in the chapel. Who wrote the passage? An Irish monk by the name of Tirechán penned it in Latin in the mid to late 600's, in a book entitled Collectanea. It's the only book we have from him. Interestingly, the full work is included in another medieval book, The Book of Armagh, which is on display at Trinity College in Dublin. Talk about rabbit holes! One moment I was reading Saint Patrick's memoirs and the next I was learning about a holy mountain and becoming acquainted with medieval manuscripts I hadn't known existed. I will leave you with a quote from Saint Patrick's Lorica (a hymn). Personally, I find it a great way to start the day. I arise today In the might of Heaven, Brightness of Sun, Brilliance of Moon, Splendour of Fire Speed of Lightening, Swiftness of Wind, Depth of Sea, Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock.
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