Humble, Simple, and Kind: Sligeach Éireann

By Sr. Alice Ann O'Neill, SC

I was inspired to write this poem when I heard people of Sligo, Ireland (Sligeach Éireann) praying the Lord’s prayer in their native language of Irish at mass. Sligo is a small city on the west coast of Ireland between Donegal and Galway. The founding mother of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Margaret Farrell George (1787-1868), was born in Sligo and her family celebrated mass in secret at this holy well -Tobernalt in Irish- hidden in the forest near Sligo. The link after the poem is a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in Irish. I offer this as a peaceful Lenten reflection.

Humble, Simple, and Kind: Sligeach Éireann

Faces worn and weary

windblown and teary.

Faith well-deep

through the ages

in secret now sages.

Waters flowing

Minds turning

Eyes closing

Souls opening...

Pilgrim path

gently trod.

Freely following

never a prod.

Waves rolling crash

Walking not to dash.

Wind ravaging trees

Winding through the leaves.

Nature's music a peaceful prayer.

Ár nAthair atá ar neamh,

go naofar d’ainm,

go dtaga do ríocht,

go ndéantar do thoil ar an talamh

mar a dhéantar ar neamh.

Ár n-arán laethúil tabhair dúinn inniu

agus maith dúinn ár bhfiacha

mar amhaithimidne dár bhféichiúna féin;

agus ná lig Ach ná sinn i gcathú,

ach sar sinn ó olc.

Améin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnMmklxA1TA