The Celtic Prayer Garden is the culmination of The Columba Community's work of reconciliation over the past 20 years. It is built near The White Oaks Centre and brings serenity and healing to visitors and to the residents of the Centre.
The garden is inspired by the 5th - 12th Century spiritual renaissance in Europe, which followed the fall of the Roman Empire. The Garden with its representations of the Cross of Patrick, the Boat of Brendan, the Island of Columba and the Oratory of Canice,inspires visitors to a spiritual re-awakening and renewal following the recent Troubles in this land. Also, a rough pathway round the perimeter of the Garden affords Christian Pilgrims ample opportunity for reflective prayer.
The video of The Celtic Saints shown at The New Visitors Centre introduces the Pilgrim to the Elements of the Spitrituality of Irelands Golden Age.
Fr.Neal and Patsy standing outside the site for the Celtic Peace Garden on Wednesday 28th February 2001.
We hope to have the White Oaks Centre completed by 20th April and begin looking at the possibilities which present themselves for developing this 8 acre site in a truly life giving manner. This development will happen over the next 10 years starting now and embracing all aspects of a truly spiritual lifestyle.
Here I am hoping to add a song and the Lyrics of How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place
Psalm 84 to the Tune of The Homes of Donegal and Sung by Ann and Margaret with Ronan on Flute and Tommy on guitar. Just click on the little triangle / arrow and follow the words below
Psalm 84 Jonathan Asprey ©Celebration Services ( Yeldall ) Ltd.
Chorus: How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts, to me.
My soul is longing and fainting, The courts of the Lord to see.
My heart and flesh, they are singing, For joy to the living God.
How lovely is thy dwelling-place, O Lord of hosts, to me.
2. Even the sparrow finds a home, Where he can settle down.
And the swallow she can build a nest, Where she may lay her young.
Within the court of the Lord of hosts, My King, my Lord and my God.
And happy are those who are dwelling where The song of praise is sung.
3. And I’d rather be a door-keeper And only stay a day,
Than live the life of a sinner And have to stay away.
For the Lord is shining as the sun, And the Lord, he’s like a shield;
And no good thing does he withhold From those who walk his way.
(Repeat Verse 1)
The Statue of The Risen Christ in The IOSAS Prayer Garden with the straw bale thatched roof oratory dedicated to St Canice in the background. It has 21 beautiful stained glass windows telling the story of the saints of Ireland. The Statue and Windows were all designed by a Community Member, Maurice Harron, an internationaaly renowned sculptor. Windows were produced by Hillcrest Joinery courtesy of John McFeeley. Find below articles written and published during the time of the Garden's creation.
The Pictures below tell the story of the beginnings, steady growth and development at White Oaks and Celtic Garden over the Years.
The Crucified Christ
This picture taken recently sums up the efforts of the staff to improve enhance and present in a more creative way this sculpture of the Crucified Christ by Maurice Harron in a truly creative manner. The staff have been busy in other areas and I will be doing my utmost to publicise their efforts (and the creative efforts of other members of the Community) on this website. Well Done .... watch this space!
4th July 2015
The Risen Christ
Fr.Neal at the opening of White Oaks with a motley crew looking on ...... let the work begin!
Catherine Carlin, wife of Brendan at the opening of White Oaks with her three children.
Fr Neal cuts the first sod to symbolically signal the beginning of the work of creating A Monastic Celtic Garden.
Fr Neal starts digging at the site of the garden.
WhiteOaks and Celtic Prayer Garden
