Celtic soul topic of talk

Celtic music, prayers and the legend of St. Brigid of Kildare's "ordination" will be part of a special day of discussion and reflection March 17 at The Priory in Chestertown.

The presentation, "Celtic Spirituality-St. Patrick's Day," will be given by Sister Connie Messitt, CSJ. Using such books as "The Music of What Happened," "Wisdom of the Celtic Saints" and "Celtic Daily Prayer," she will show how oneness with the earth, mysticism, and searching out the meaning of life and death are important aspects of Celtic spirituality.

Of course, his feast day will include discussion of St. Patrick, but Sister Connie also will talk about such Celtic folks as Aidan of Lindisfarne, a monk of Iona who lived during the late sixth century. She will also tell the story of St. Brigid, a real nun who lived from 452-524 and who, according to legend, was ordained during a ceremony in which the presiding bishop claimed to be overcome by grace and could not undo his official act.

The day will include a video showing scenes of Ireland, time for quiet reflection, a walk outside to view the surroundings, and lunch with an Irish flavor.

Sister Connie, who is mostly Irish with some Scottish heritage, first became interested in Celtic spirituality while doing research about four of five years ago. This marks the third year that she has led a day of prayer and discussion on St. Patrick's Day, and she's learned a little more about Celtic spirituality each time.

She finds that Celtic spirituality speaks of a God who is deeply involved in creation. It's all-inclusive and can apply to any age, culture or social condition.

Sister Connie hopes that people who participate in the event will come away with "a sense of how interconnected we are across the world, and that St. Patrick's Day is not just for the Irish," she said.

She also wants people to appreciate "our connection to God through earth and creation, and how God speaks to us through the music and art of people in the past and present."

("Celtic Spirituality-St. Patrick's Day" will be offered on March 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Priory in Chestertown. Donation is $22. To register, call 494-3733.)(PQ)

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