On a still cold morning, walking at a gentle pace around Glendalough, many memories and questions can emerge or be prompted in our minds and hearts. This can be an invitation to our souls to experience healing, renewal, and inspiration through the beauty, silence, solitude, and serenity of the mystics of this holy place.
When we are busy, pressured, and stressed in daily life, taking time to create space and walk along the path in silence and stillness can call each of us into our innermost being, where we search for what life’s journey is all about. Questions that may arise include: “Who am I?” “Where do I come from and where am I going?” “How am I at present?” “What am I looking for in life?” “How do my values and attitudes impact my life, my neighbours, colleagues at work, and our world?”
In particular these questions arise during this uncertain, fragile, and messy time where we struggle and suffer alongside so many people affected by wars and the global climate crisis. Feelings of worry, anxiety, uncertainty, confusion, and fear can overwhelm us, leading us to be lost and longing to flee into St Kevin’s cave. At a distance it seems a lonely, dark, cold, and lifeless place.
Sometimes we wonder, “Where is God in this?” Even, “Who is God?” “Is God the one who is love and compassionate?” At the same time, these reflections call us to have courage and deep faith, and to stay with our questions and feelings, allowing ourselves to ponder and surrender in silence and stillness within our own inner cave.
After a period of silence, we may hear a blackbird singing, followed by other birds, and listen to the sound of running water, then feelings of a gentle breeze and warm sunshine on our faces. Our eyes may catch sight of green leaves and flowers.
Our inner souls find peace, joy, and new space, giving us the freedom to embrace our own pain and suffering, as well as that of our sisters and brothers, in a solidarity that celebrates the beauty, sacred and invaluable nature of our human life.
Our hearts are open to see the sun shining, the water sparkling on the lake, and the birds singing and dancing. Small flowers are praising the Lord everywhere. We may have thought we were in a tomb, only to realise that we are in a womb, nurtured, comforted, and renewed by the Holy Spirit in silence and solitude.
We can recognise a strong connection to the love and compassion of all the people who lived in this sacred place in Glendalough, leaving behind their legacy and heritage of Ancient Love.
We are blessed to have this sacred place to visit as often as we need to reconnect with our inner souls, where we can hear the whisperings of the One who loves us infinitely. We are encouraged to be brave in entering into silence and stillness within this sacred and holy space.
Sr Susanna Choi
First published in the September/October 2025 issue of the Far East magazine. Please subscribe here and support the work of Columban Missionaries. https://columbans.ie/far-east-magazine/
