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St Mogue's Well at Historic Ferns, County Wexford
Posted on Saturday, March 19 @ 12:50:34 GMT on stephen |
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"Ferns WAS, Dublin IS and Cork WILL BE." (local saying)
Apparently local people in this quiet rural village still believe Ferns was once the capital of Ireland! In fact there may be some truth in this claim for history records Ferns was once at the center of many major events in Ireland's history.
For instance Dermot McMurrough, King of Leinster in 1126, had his castle at Ferns but later, when he was deposed, invited the Normans to help him regain his kingdom. Thus Ferns became a focal point in the struggle between native and colonial power throughout the centuries that followed although its significance gradually declined.
In the tradition of the times this king was not averse to massacring, burning, raiding and mutilating his rivals yet anachronistically was interested in reforming the Irish church. He died in 1171 and his grave is said to be marked by a broken cross shaft still clearly visible in Fern's old graveyard.
Fern's 13th century Castle was possibly built on the site of McMorrough's stronghold
Long before King Dermot's reign evidence of a 6th century ecclesiastical settlement at Ferns suggests that apart from its political significance, Ferns was once regarded as a very sacred place. The ancient tradition of dowsing the sacred paths and places of the Earth before settling in an area was probably also practiced when choosing monastic sites. In this context dowsers today confirm altars in ancient churches were deliberately placed over crossed leylines and very special monuments were built over a 'vesica piscis' or "a bladder-like cavity in which a fish swims". References to 'fish' dwelling in certain sacred wells are still recorded.
In the small village of Ferns the remains of St Peter's and St Aidan's Churches, St Aidan's Monastery, Ferns Cathedral, St Mary's Abbey and round towers usually marking places where a special balanced energy had been dowsed all appear to confirm the sacredness of the site.
St Mary's Abbey close to the graveyard and the ruins of the original Cathedral
Aedh, the Patron saint and bishop of Ferns, was born in 550 A.D. Later affectionately called St Mogue, meaning "my young Aehd" but also called Edan or Aidan today.
Clearly no community can survive without a good supply of clean water. This was once provided by St Mogue's holy Well, blessed and dedicated to St Aidan by St Moling.
Unfortunately this magical well has been abandoned, a locked gate prevents access, and the beautifully laid curved steps leading down to the well are inaccessible. All that is visible is a circular stone tower located right beside the road. A glimpse of a high domed arch containing the well reveals it is filled with dense mud. It is heartbreaking to see such a special well abandoned especially since it is said to have had curative powers. It urgently needs to be restored.
Loca1 children at St Mogue's replacement well. In the background a couple whose ancestors have lived in Ferns for 500 years
A replacement well has been built not far from the abandoned well but the barren concrete structure cannot even come close to comparing with the original St Mogue's well. When we started clearing rubbish around the well the children wanted to know what we were doing and why. We told them about the importance of water and how water was happy when it was respected but sad when no one cared for it. They asked endless questions but when satisfied helped us enthusiastically. Next they showed us the well water draining into a heavily polluted stream. Pointing to the mounds of accumulated rubbish they instinctively chorused "Disgusting!"
As we were leaving they told us they intended to talk to their parents about looking after the holy well and, even more important, about cleaning out the stream. By the determined look on their faces we couldn't help feeling sorry for the parents! Yet these are the children who will ultimately have to conquer the problem of pollution on our Planet. We need to nurture their sense of wonder as they instantly grasp fundamental truths. We also need to protect them from social pressures, all too often annihilating their special gifts. Bless the children!
"Blessed Children" at St Mogue's Sacred Well
Mo Griffith
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