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Yes, these reports are not in chronological order, which was my original intent. But somethings worth sharing occurred in the middle of other things. And the lack of good Internet connection....yes, you've heard that before, so I'll stop the whining.
This following text is also used for the YouTube video description]
Here is the second part of a video report on Skellig Michael, the larger of the two rocky outcrops off the SW coast of Ireland. It is on this apparently inhospitable island that a dozen monks in the 5th–6th century established a religious community that grew slightly over the next 500 years as additional pilgrims came and stayed. The island is only reached, even today, in good weather by small boat. In about the 12th century the weather became untenable, even in the summer months, and the community moved on shore and established what is now known as Ballin Skellig ruins. I visited there as well. All of this occurred because legend tells us St. Michael miraculous showed up with an army of angels at St. Patrick's request to battle the pervasive evil on Ireland. This theme of transcendent events, in the midst of a great struggle and effort on man's part, is pervasive along the entire St. Michael line of monasteries. It is even true of the events on Mt. Carmel where the last monastery in the line, the 19th century Stella Maris Monastery, the world headquarters of the Carmelite religious order, is located. Ironically, the Carmelite priest in charge disavowed to me in an scathing email any connection with St. Michael. But as our research has revealed, the Carmelites are likely mistaken. We believe St. Michael was intimately involved in the work of Elijah so many thousands of years ago on Mt. Carmel in his battle against the evil priests and demons of Baal, just like St. Patrick battled evil in Ireland. Does all this have relevance to us today? Perhaps.
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