When on pilgrimage in Wales, I visited a tiny church on the north coast of Wales called Pennant Melangell. The story goes that there was a young Irish woman, named Melangell, who fled her home in Ireland because her father, a king, had betrothed her to a man, but she was unwilling to marry. Fleeing across the Irish Sea, she found her way to an isolated valley where she lived as a solitary, dedicating herself to continual prayer.
One day a Welsh prince, and owner of that land, was chasing a hare through a bramble with his dogs. He thought the dogs had the poor animal cornered, but they suddenly fled the bramble, yelping in fright. Pushing through the thorny bramble, the prince found Melangell in solemn prayer, the hare hiding under the hem of her dress.
Impressed by her holiness, the prince dedicated the valley to her, allowing her to live a quiet life of prayer until her eventual death. Over time, a small shrine was built and added on to, until a small church was erected on the site. To my surprise there was no crush of pilgrims, no gift shop, only a quiet stone church surrounded by an ancient cemetery. Visiting there, I understood the sheltered peace that she found in that green, tree lined valley.
Later, while reading through a book of Celtic prayers called the Carmina Gadaelica, a particular prayer reminded me of the peace and shelter of Pennant Melangell. It reminded me that while on pilgrimage we ask for God’s protection when setting out each morning, and we ask for the hospitality of God’s protection wherever we stop for the night, whether it be on a roadside, or in the safety of our own homes.
THE SOUL-SHRINE God, give charge to Thy blessed angels, To keep guard around this stead tonight, A band sacred, strong, and steadfast, That will shield this soul-shrine from harm. Safeguard Thou, God, this household tonight, Themselves and their means and their name, Deliver them from death, from distress, from harm, From the fruits of envy and of enmity. Give Thou to us, O God of peace, Thankfulness despite our love, To obey Thy statues here below, And to enjoy Thyself above. Amen.
Rev. Dr. David Chisham
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