We have been inspired by the lives of the Irish saints from Saint Patrick to the modern day, especially during the golden age of Celtic Catholic monasticism. The monastic tradition in Ireland generated a dynamic Celtic and Roman Catholic sacramental spirituality that speaks to the contemplative and communal side of human nature.

The description of the virtues of the Irish saints by Msgr. Barr in his book "The Shadow of the Cross" was the inspiration for Oigedchaire.  In this book Msgr. Barr describes the virtues of the Irish saints with stories and descriptions providing direction to our efforts to share in the spirituality of the saints.

"Rule One: Life Is A Journey And We Are All Pilgrims On The Way."

"Rule Two: The Physical And Spiritual Make Up the Real World; Therefore, Our Prayer Life is Our whole Life."

"Rule Three: Reverence Creation And Her Creatures, For They Are Windows To God."

"Rule Four: The Door To God Can Only Be Opened by Self-Sacrifice."

"Rule Five: Love The Cross Of Christ By Which We Are Redeemed."

"Rule Six: Have A Deep Knowledge Of And A Reverance For The Embracing Love Of Mary, The Angels, And The Saints."

"Rule Seven: Love The Mass and Eucharist; Pray The Scriptures; Celebrate The Sacrament Of Penance Frequently; Seek Out A Soul Friend."

"Rule Eight: Use The Lorica."

These rules give definition to the world view embraced by the great Irish saints in a way that enables us to follow their example. There is much substance in the lives of the Irish saints and the Celtic people that can be drawn upon.  Throughout the day we can make resort to the many prayers and beautiful poetry that have been passed down through the generations.

One of the blessings that have come from the emphasis on hospitality is the development of a friendship and spirituality that places Christian life in the heart of the family.  On Christmas eve we may light a candle to welcome the Holy Family.  But every day we seek to imitate the virtues of the Holy Family, their poverty and simplicity, faithfulness and charity.  We can demonstrate our Love for the Holy Family by welcoming people into our home and embracing the needs of our neighbors and in particular the poor.

It is fruitful to look to the writings of St. Patrick and Ciolumbanus and the stories of the saints to help focus our spiritual life.  The following paragraphs explore one way the rules can be put into action following the example of the saints.

By way of example, one could take direction from St. Columbanus' injunctions to his monks: pray daily, fast daily, work daily and study daily. The commitment to Ora et Labora, the Benedictine expression of monastic life is found in the injunction to pray daily and work daily. Also central to the life of  the Celtic monks is the penitential and ascetic life.  The Celtic monks were known for their penitential practices.  Stories tell of monks praying the psalms while standing in the frigid waters of the sea, sleeping on a cold slab of stone and of other bodily mortifications.  St. Aidan popularized the Wednesday and Friday fast until 3:00 pm in honor of Our Lord's death on the Cross.  And to study, the Celtic monasteries were often among the great centers of learning in the Catholic Church.

The four injunctions of St. Columbanus to his monks can easily be channeled to the lives of lay persons.  Some aspects of these injunctions can be daily and others may need to be performed over the course of a week such as the St. Aidan fast.  These four injunctions are easy to remember and much of Msgr. Barr's eight rules can be cauptured within them.

I. The injunction to work daily focuses and gives direction to each person's life.  The first rule of lay persons is to live his or her responsibilities to work and companionship with family and friends. Msgr. Barr's rules two, three and six: Rule two speaks of making our work holy but rules one, three and six help provide direction to set our whole life apart for God.

II. The injunction to pray daily can be easily put into practice with the Lorica, rosary, liturgy of the hours, meditation on the cross, lectio divina and the sacraments. Msgr. Barr's rules five, six, seven and eight.  It is of no small importance that we pray the liturgy of the hours, most often vespers, when we meet for an event in St. Louis.  There are many small blessings  and prayers of protection that one can pray throughout the day as part of family and work activities.

III. The injunction to fast daily can be lived by a spirit of self-sacrifice especially toward those things in life that distract us from God.  Fasting and asceticism can be one part of this practice during the week - Msgr. Barr's rules four and one.  However, there are many sacrifices that one can make during the day, some of which involve simply avoiding occasions of sin.

IV. The injunction to study daily can boost our spiritual life and career.  For many, this may be difficult on a daily basis but when incorporated over the course of a week or month can be a great support to one's spiritual life, career, family life and other activities.  Reading of Holy Scripture is important for it contains within its wrapping the mystery of salvation.  Further efforts can be made to read up on things important for one's career, ministry, art and music, health, and spiritual life.

We encourage friends to make a daily prayer commitment.  A prayer commitment is the real fruit of a friendship that draws us closer to the great mystery of the Trinity.  We also encourage our friends to choose a soul friend, ideally a confessor, who can hold them accountable and provide support in keeping to their personal prayer commitment.