I love having a barn for so many reasons, but the barn swallows rank right up there near the top of the list. There’s something comforting about them, probably because they remind me of the tree swallows of my youth. Oh, they’re not perfect and they’re even a little annoying, when you consider the mess they make in the barn (our green tractor is white, in parts). But to see them swooping and diving, to know that they’re taking care of the significant bug population, to hear them chattering…well, all of this is a little piece of heaven for me.The swallows inspired my reflection in this week’s column on Our Lady of Knock. I don’t know if they have swallows in Ireland, but I’ll always associate my favorite bird with my favorite lady from now on. I don’t think she’ll mind. 🙂
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Yes we have swallows in Ireland! I love hearing and seeing them around too. They herald Summer for us, even if the weather doesn’t often live up to their exuberance. This time of year, I always feel a little sad when I see them lining up in groups ready to leave us for another year. Thank you for the article about Our Lady of Knock. Your sweet insights make the visions more immediate and bring the past to life.
So glad you enjoyed it, Kee. And I’m glad to hear you have swallows too. They’re such a joy to watch. And I’m touched that my article made the devotion more real to you. Have you visited Knock much/often?