17 March 2010: Our Lady of Glastonbury

To the Christian, Glastonbury, on the Somerset plain is the cradle of the faith in England. Modern archaeologists show conclusively that it was the site of a Celtic monastery since the fifth century. There are tales that connect King Arthur to Glastonbury; and evidence this ancient ruler did in fact exist. Among the most fascinating is he is probably buried there.

A few old legends connect Joseph of Arimathea with Glastonbury. A tradition since the eighth century relates St Patrick with Glastonbury. Some stories claim it is his burial place. Great numbers of Irish pilgrims made the difficult journey to visit what they believed to be his tomb.

The Celtic monastery such pilgrims visited was built of wattle and twigs, a collection of huts and tiny chapels, with one larger chapel dedicated to Our Lady. Hermits lived there. Inside the old church had stood a statue of Our Lady that survived a fire. Mary was pictured on the abbey coat of arms and on its seal.

In one representation she is seated holding the child Jesus; in the other, Our Lady holds the child Jesus on one arm and in her other hand, a flowering bush (the Glastonbury thorn), which is symbolic of Mary, Virgin and Mother. A sprig of this bush was thrust into the ground, according to legend, by Joseph of Arimathea.

Glastonbury today includes St Mary’s Chapel, the Benedictine Abbey Church, St Patrick’s Chapel, and the Abbot’s Kitchen. The ruined shell of St Mary’s Chapel stands in silent beauty. It dates from 1186, rebuilt on the original place of the old wattle-and-twig church, the spot held holy as far back as can be determined. The Abbey Church is from the 13th century. The altar site and King Arthur’s tomb are marked.

An authenticated story relates Queen Philippa, wife of King Edward III presenting a rosary with beads of gold and silver to adorn the statue during her pilgrimage. Glastonbury also developed a special devotion to Joseph, an unusual interest in that time and place.

St Mary’s Church and the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury are modern and were consecrated in 1941. No one knows what became of the statue of Our Lady of Glastonbury after 1539 [Reformation], but St Mary’s has a beautiful image as represented in the abbey seal.

Ref: cf Gerald E Sherry, “The Catholic Shrines of Europe”, pp38-41

St Joseph of Arimathea -- In the “evening, a rich man, Joseph, also a disciple of Jesus went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb hewn out in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone to the entrance and left. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting opposite ...” (cf Mt 27:57-61)

St Patrick, bishop (385-461): Born in Scotland. Pope Celestine sent him to preach the Faith in Ireland. In thirty-three years, he succeeded in converting the whole country (known as “Island of Saints” during the Middle Ages) after heartbreaking difficulties. Patron of Ireland. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, p1492)

Today, as we thank Our Lord for the gift of faith St Patrick handed on, and resolve to follow his example in our generation, we do so in words (Hymn, “St Patrick’s breastplate” in Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:123) attributed to him:

Christ beside me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ within me
Christ under me, Christ over me
Christ to right of me, Christ to left of me
Christ in lying down, Christ in sitting, Christ in rising up
Christ in the heart of every person who may think of me
Christ in the mouth of every person who may speak of me
Christ in every eye that may look on me
Christ in every ear that may hear me.

The despair and death of Judas

“When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders ...” (cf Mt 27:3)

When Judas agreed to betray his Master, he expected that, being God as well as man, Jesus would evade his enemies as he had often done. Finding that Jesus surrendered and was about to suffer death, Judas was horrified at the thought of his crime. The ‘blood’ money weighed on his conscience. Cursing, he returned it.

Such is the ordinary effect of sin. Before sinning, we only see the pleasant side, blind to its consequences. Once the harm is done, come remorse and shame. Instead of enjoyment, there is only misery and regret.

“Saying, ‘I have sinned in betraying innocent blood’.” When Judas confessed his sin to the chief priests, a sin they had tempted him to commit, he hoped to find comfort or at least interest. Instead, he received the scornful words, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” (Mt 27:4) On hearing these, his despair was total.

Never expect favor, sympathy, or even esteem, from whomever we have served against our conscience. Outwardly, they might praise or flatter us; but interiorly, will condemn us for our weakness and cowardice.

“And casting down the pieces of silver in the Temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself.” (Mt 27:5) The despair of Judas surpassed all his sins. Convinced that his crime was beyond pardon, he virtually disbelieved in God. If he had been humble and contrite like St Peter, Jesus would also have pardoned him.

We are all human, all liable to fall very low. If we unhappily commit sin, let us at once banish any thought of despair, and imitate the humble repentance of Peter, trusting, as he did, in the omnipotent mercy of God.

In times of temptation, recall St Augustine’s words: ‘If you feel afraid of God, throw yourself into his bosom.’

Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp119-121

In the year 1095, under Pope Urban II, a council was held at Clermont, in Auvergne, at which the Office of Our Lady was instituted [Council of Clermont]. Foundation of the Abbey of Baumont-les-Toure, by Ingestrude in the year 600. — Gallia Christiana, t. iv. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)

Institution of Our Lady's Office by Pope Urban II, in the Council of Clermont. 1095.(At this council, Urban II also responded favorably to request from the Byzantine Emperor for help against an overwhelming Muslim force; Urban II preached the First Crusade to regain Jerusalem and other territories which had been conquered by Muslim armies. The Crusade succeeded, and founded a kingdom which survived for two centuries.) Urban II ordered that the town bell be rung 3X daily in honor of the triple Angelical Salutation (‘Angelus Domini’) to Mary on the Annunciation. "Angelus" is still a frequent call to prayer in Ireland. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)

Our Lady of Ireland. (Madonna of Ireland). 1697. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)