Brendan O'Malley – författare

Pilgrimages to holy wells were common in medieval Christendom, and especially among Celtic peoples with their profound awareness of the God’s presence in creation. In the wider Christian tradition water is a symbol of life, grace and healing – a gift of God, springing forth from the earth. Many parish churches were built close to wells which were used for baptism and for healing services. Today, interest in holy wells is resurgent. Regional guides, gazetteers and websites connected with holy wells are increasingly popular and thousands of pilgrims and walkers visit holy wells each year. This resource has been written in response to a demand for prayers and blessings to use at a holy well. It includes an introduction to the history and significance of holy wells, a wide variety of prayers and simple liturgies for individual pilgrims, groups and churches that are based near holy wells. It also includes a guide – with GPS references – to the principal holy wells in England, Wales and Scotland.

To go on pilgrimage is not simply to travel to a holy place, but it is to recognize that each day of our lives God calls us to draw nearer to him. This prayer book provides essential sustenance for pilgrimages of both kinds; whether our journey is physical or of the spirit, it will enable an to discover and celebrate Christ's presence with us at every step of the way.The Celtic vision of Christ present in all creation shapes each outline for daily prayer that is provided. The earth, the sky, trees, rivers, flowers, insects and all created things become stopping places for thanksgiving, reflection and refreshment as do the emotions that we experience along the way. From the uncertainties of setting out to the ecstasy of arriving, joys and trials alike point us to Christ and serve to bring us closer to our journey's end.

Celtic Christianity's profound understanding that God provides for our every need and is present throughout his creation is reflected in its rich legacy of prayers of blessing. No task was too humble nor was any object too lowly to be offered back to God in thanksgiving and to ask his blessing on it in order that it should be used for his glory. In this unique collection of ancient and newly written prayers and liturgies, blessings are given for every area of human life - our families and friends, each room of our homes, the meal table, our work, journeys, rites of passage, the sick, times and seasons of' the year, animals, creation and much more. Celtic Blessing is ideal for personal or pastoral use and it will gently transform our outlook as we learn to acknowledge that all of life is God's gift.