Tea and Talk by Alice Taylor

Author:Alice Taylor [Alice Taylor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781847178961
Publisher: The O'Brien Press
Published: 2016-11-23T05:00:00+00:00

Then slowly the mist cleared and blue skies appeared between the overhanging trees. Cars purred up the narrow road and were directed into an adjoining field, and people coming through the gateway into the graveyard stopped to read the plaque telling its history. The rows of seats in front of the altar filled up with people, while groups stood at both ends. Parishioners and many others had come back to honour this special place on this historic occasion.

Absolute silence descended as Fr Finbarr began Mass, and one felt that the congregation was greater than those visibly present. It was an occasion laden with the presence of the past. The readings were done by the American visitors, descendants of those who had survived the coffin ships, and the Prayers of the Faithful were recited by local children, descendants of those who had survived at home. Hymns were sung and soft music played. It was the linking together of the many tangled strands of our chequered history and a reaching out of hands across the sea.

After Mass, Mary thanked everybody who had helped to make the occasion possible, especially Bob and Jim, who both told the gathering how happy they were to be present for this historic event. People gathered in groups to enjoy tea and home-made goodies and were glad of the opportunity to thank the Americans for their generosity of spirit.

As dusk gathered over Kilpadder, people began to leave and head back to the village. As they went out the gate, many looked back to view the little hillside graveyard, now covered in wildflowers, and felt pleased that they had been here at this special time. All went home glad that after over a hundred and fifty years the graves of Kilpadder had finally been blessed and the bones of the ancestors were at last resting in sacred ground.

A seat has been placed in this small hillside graveyard where you can sit quietly listening to birdsong from the surrounding wood and the stream gurgling beside you. You will not be alone here as the spirits of the past will be all around you because this is truly a sacred place.

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