Pilgrim Ways

In Section XI he meets a monk who once heard his confession and who set him the penance of translating some of the work of the sixteenth century Spanish mystic, St.John of the Cross, and he chooses the “Song of the soul that is glad to know God by faith” - a hymn to the “fountain” of the Trinity which is to be found in the sacrament of Holy Communion, the bread of life: And from these two a third current proceeds which neither of these two, I know, precedes although it is the night This eternal fountain hides and splashes within this living bread that is life to us although it is the night.

Hear it calling out to every creature.

And they drink these waters, although it is dark here because it is the night.

I am repining for this living fountain. Within this bread of life I see it plain although it is the night.

The Pilgrim Field - Full of Folk Station Island begins with an echo of William Langland‟s The Vision of Piers the Plowman invoking the familiar “field full of folk” preparing for their pilgrimage. In a real sense pilgrimage is about dealing with dysfunctional relationships and about learning to see Christ in the people we encounter. It is also about confronting personal ghosts and laying them to rest. Heaney collects his vaporised assembly and hopes to profit by it, maybe being able to say at the conclusion, like Piers Plowman, that “I have walked full widely, in wet and in dry, And sought out good saints for the health of my soul.” Meeting his ghosts may help him comes to terms with himself and with his many regrets. Heaney invites us to share his richly sensuous world but leaves us guessing about the painful conclusion of the baring of his soul.

His ambiguous thoughts about religion and culture are a long way from the simple pilgrimages of his youth but it is self-evident that this magnificent poem would not have been possible without that early formation.

Becoming More Fully Human Over the three days of fasting at Lough Derg a meal of dry toast and black coffee or tea is all the pilgrim takes. There is no cacophony of noise or distractions. Radios, TVs and all the other paraphernalia of modern living do not exist on the island. Instead there is the Angelus, Mass, Confession, Stations of the Cross, Benediction and constant prayer. All this, says Michael Willis, “helps us to become more fully human.” Its continues to have significant appeal. In July 2000 Monsignor Richard Mohan, the Prior, said that the number of pilgrims had increased by 34% on the previous year, with more than 4,500 people enduring the rigorous retreat (Universe, July 9th, 2000). One in seven of those making the three day pilgrimage were there for the first time, with 70% stating that they had gone there “for personal and spiritual renewal.” This included high-powered business managers and executives. The pilgrim season ends each year on the feats of the Assumption (August 15th).

The cost, including the boat trip from the mainland to the island, is £20. The cost covers sustenance and accommodation, including a comfortable bed on the final night. A one-day