Young Mercy Leaders Day Three Blog by Samantha O'Brien

Samantha O’Brien from Gwynedd Mercy University shares her thoughts and reflections from day two of the Young Mercy Leaders Programme in Catherine’s House in Baggot Street, Dublin.

On today’s adventures with the Young Mercy Leaders programme, we travelled as a group to the beautiful Glendalough, a sixth century monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin. We started the morning with some reflection and discussion, followed by honuoring the late Irish musician Glen Hansard, who died just yesterday morning in Dublin. We listened to his song, “Leave the Light On” before starting our walk.

Our group split into two and walked the trails, taking in the gorgeous sights. Immediately on the trail was a stunning body of water with rocks that led to a healing lake. The weather was on our side today with just a tad bit of rain and a very bright sun. My sunglasses were my best companion today. Our guide was Sister Peggy (a Mercy Sister), and she told us that there was no empty space in the woods, for along the entire path were trees, some very tall. I thought I had seen the full beauty of Ireland, but what I saw today proved that this nation had much more to show me.

Our first stop was to the markings of a labyrinth, then to the healing lake. We passed many other visitors on the way, and it made me glad to see so many people taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to reconnect with yourself spiritually. We read a poem then had time to explore the lake on our own. Many of us touched the water, hoping to be healed in some way. We also took a beat to rest as this was an intense walk. By the end of the day it was about four miles, similar to Tuesday’s walk around Dublin.

The views of the mountains were jaw dropping; I could not believe my eyes that I was experiencing something so surreal. Many of us took time for silent reflection on this trail instead of engaging in conversation. We were told this would be a day focused on spirituality, and we all took this very seriously. Sister Peggy told us many stories; some historical and some personal. We definitely learned a lot today. I remembered to keep in mind that visiting Glendalough was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  

We passed many significant sites on our walk including Saint Kevin’s cave which was believed to be inhabited by him for seven years of isolation. It looked like a hole in the mountain. It was very peaceful. I also took time to appreciate the clouds; I found one looking like a duck and another that looked like something from a video game as we passed the Upper and Lower Lakes. The views were so stunning I felt undeserving to be witnessing God’s beauty.

We wrapped up our trail through the woods and found the double arches, as well as a Mercy Cross on the walls where some of us touched and said a brief prayer. We then found our way to the Monastic City, gazing upon a tower that was used for lookout in the past. It reminded me of Rapunzel’s tower. We saw the remains of several churches, and it amazed me how after so much time has passed that it still remained.

We made our way through a gravesite and found St. Kevin’s Cross, where if your arms wrap around it you can make a wish. I could not wrap my arms around, but my taller friends had an advantage and were able to. It looked like we were hugging the cross. Some people came together around it. As we finished our journey through Glendalough we came together and said a prayer before reconnecting with our other half of the group for lunch. We enjoyed coffee, tea, and sandwiches before making our journey back to the House of Mercy and said goodbye for the day. I look forward to the final day of the conference tomorrow.