A POEM A DAY - SAINT BRIGID'S WELL


This image captures a moment at St Brigid's Well in Liscannor, Country Clare in Ireland. The well is found just off the road, at the foot of a beautiful, wooded cemetery. It is a modest place, a statue of St Brigid looking out towards the Atlantic Coast is enclosed in a glass case, surrounded by flowers in a small circle of stone paving. The grotto leads into the rock, the entrance walls filled with statues of Saints, photographs of loved ones, prayers, rosaries, burning candles and letters of request to Saint Brigid, many for sick or deceased relatives of friends. The fading photos have a deep poignancy and reverence and whatever ones belief it would be hard not to be moved by the faith evidenced here and the simplicity of the worship. 

The well itself is a small square of water refreshed from a running spring. It is said to have healing powers and this well is just one of many throughout Ireland dedicated to Saint Brigid. She is one of Ireland's most revered Saints and it is thought the Christian Saint followed on from the worship of the pagan Goddess Brigid. She is still remembered along with Saint Brigid when the the Saint's Day coincides with the celebration of Imbolc at the beginning of Spring on February 1st. 



© 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved. 

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