"There is an old Celtic legend about a bird, which sings only once in its life.It sings that single song more sweetly than any other creature on the face of this earth. From the moment it leaves its nest, this bird searches for a thorn tree and does not rest until it has found one. Having found the thorn tree the bird sings among the tree’s savage branches and impales itself on the longest, sharpest spine. Then, dying, it rises above its own agony to out-carol the lark and the nightingale. The whole world stills to listen and God in his heaven smiles. The best is accomplished at the cost of the greatest pain, so says the legend."
During the first week of August 1988, Abbot Cuthbert Brogan and I, as novices, enjoyed a weeks holiday at Ramsgate Abbey. (The community has since moved to Chilworth)
We had hoped to be housed in The Grange which has since been restored by The Landmark Trust.
In the event, however, we were accommodated within the monastery.
During the week we visited friends of Cuthbert in Herne Bay, Nuns at Minster and visited Canterbury, including, of course, the Cathedral.
The notice board afforded some amusement as it announced:
MATTINS (Martyrdom) 07:15
(That being in the martyrdom chapel)
Cuthbert remarked that if they really wanted to experience martyrdom by mattins, they should try Farnborough! lol !! (05:15)
As well as these visits, alot of time was spent wandering around the town and lying together on the beach. It had been only about two months since our first sexual encounter and in many ways I experienced this holiday like a honeymoon.
Ralph and Meggie in The Thorn Birds never stopped loving and caring for each other deep down. In this respect, perhaps their story lacks some credibility, as it would appear that errant clerics and their enablers, generally, don't have alot of regard for the trail of damage they leave in their wake!
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