An Curach

Meditations and prayers exploring an ancient ocean breeze: The writings of Saint Irenaeus of Lyons – One whose breath embraced the transforming power of the Holy Trinity moving above, through and in us on Earth.

Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, 2nd-century Greek bishop in Lyons and Doctor of the Church, was an Easterner in the West. His writings affirms this life on earth is also the life of God:

“Paul also well says, “One God, the Father, who is above all, through all and in us all”  – because ‘above all’ is the Father, and ‘through all’ is the Word – since through Him everything was made by the Father – while ‘in us all’ is the Spirit, who cries “ Abba Father”, and forms man into the likeness of God.”

You are invited to read An Curach here in the flip book below.

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Quote from: Saint Irenaeus of Lyons. On the Apostolic Teaching. Translated by John Behr. New York: St Vladimir’s Press, 1997, p43, para 5.
 
*A curach was a small hide covered wicker framed boat used by Irish sailor monks as they traversed the seas.

 

Notes on Language

You will come across some Scots Gaelic (the indigenous language of the Scottish Highlands) in Ocean’s Song. I use them intentionally to deepen the moment of imagery and reflection. When our eyes encounter an unfamiliar word, we automatically pause a moment, creating a moment for the Holy Trinity to enter more fully into our reading. Words of Indigenous people also take our imagery back in time, allowing us to glimpse our world from another perspective. A short glossary follows with the meanings of these words.

Scots Gaelic Phrases

An Geadh Fiadhaich: The Wild Goose poetic name of the Holy Spirit.

An Dòigh Beatha ann an Crìost: the Way of Life in Christ

Ar N-athair Nèamhaidh: Our Heavenly Father

Athair, Mac, Spiorad: Father, Son, Spirit.

Beum-Sgèthe: Shields Clash

Bi Mar Muir Fèath: Be as a Calm Sea

Curach: Small boat made of wickerwork covered in watertight material (Leather, canvas).

Dhè: God

Dhè Ro Àrd: Most High God

Dia: God

Dia uile-chumhachdach: God Almighty

Ìosa Crìost: Jesus Christ

Mar sin bitheadh: So let it be, let it be!

Righ nan Dùl: Lord of the Universe

Solas Chrìost: Christ’s Light.

Spiorad Naomh: Holy Spirit

Sorchar nan Ruel: “Lightener of the Stars”, a poetic name of Jesus Christ.

 

Maori Bird Names

Korimako / Bellbird: A forest bird with the purest sound made in birdsong.

Tui:  Beautiful forest bird, very vocal, with a complicated mix of tuneful songs interspersed with percussive sounds.