Fr La’s weekly ‘Pause and Ponder’ from along the Pilgrim Path at Lough Derg. This week’s reflection is ‘As if Brigid might forget’.

Going down today to Brigid’s Well

these tokens took my attention.

The tradition is to tie a rag

or something else I have to hand,

in token of my pilgrim’s prayer;

not a reminder – as if Brigid might forget,

but a way to leave behind my prayer,

handed over into Brigid’s care.

Along with rags the range of tokens runs

to ties and tee-shirts, fifteen rosaries

(people literally leaving their prayers)

and facemasks (a new addition, last year, to the range).

But the little teddy moves me more than all.

What prayer can he – or she – betoken?

St Brigid surely took this prayer to heart.

As if she could forget!

Fr La Flynn, Prior

8 March 2021