Dearest monks, artists, and pilgrims,
On the 11th of February this past week was the Feast of St. Gobnait. I only learned about St. Gobnait after moving to Ireland. She is a 5th-6th century monk who fled her home in County Clare and headed first for the island of Insheer. It is not clear why she fled, only that she was seeking refuge on the Aran Islands. Click here to read my reflection on her at Patheos>>
I am delighted to have a poem about St. Gobnait published in the online journal Headstuff here.
Gobnait features in our upcoming online retreat The Soul’s Slow Ripening: Celtic Wisdom for Discernment (April 4-May 29, 2016). Consider joining us to soak in the wisdom of those ancient Irish monks and entering into the practices which guided them to new thresholds.
I am also continuing my 7-part Lenten series at Patheos on A Different Kind of Fast. This week I explore fasting from the need to always be strong and allow a great softening. You can read that here>>
And last, but not least, Happy Valentine’s Day dear monks! Here are two reflections from the Abbey Archives on alternative ways to experience this day: Body Words of Love and Love and Hospitality
With great and growing love,
Christine
Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, REACE
St. Gobnait dancing monk icon © Marcy Hall at Rabbit Room Arts