The annual Pattern of St Berrihert will begin on Wednesday 18 February and continue through to Thursday 26 February, marking an important period of prayer and pilgrimage in the parish of Bansha and Kilmoyler and surrounding communities. A special gathering for communal prayers will take place at St Berrihert's Kyle and Holy Well at Ardane near Bansha, Co Tipperary, on Sunday 22 February at 2.30pm. All are warmly invited and welcome to attend. A Saint of Early Christian Ireland St Berrihert was a 7th-century Irish monk associated with the golden age of Irish monasticism. Tradition links him with St Columba (Colmcille), the great missionary and founder of Iona. READ NEXT: Ratepayers invited to attend meeting to progress business initiative for a Tipperary town After leaving the monastic settlement at Iona, St Berrihert is believed to have travelled to Munster and settled in the Ardane area near Bansha, where he founded a small monastic community devoted to prayer, penance and learning. The Kyle at Ardane is one of the most remarkable early Christian sites in County Tipperary. It contains ancient cross-slabs, carved stones and penitential stations that date back many centuries. These stones stand as silent witnesses to the faith of generations who gathered there long before our own time. The nearby holy well, long associated with St Berrihert, has been a place of devotion and petition for healing and blessing through the centuries. READ NEXT: Expansion of government scheme aims to restore vacant and derelict homes across the county The Tradition of the Pattern Pattern Days are an ancient Irish tradition, combining pilgrimage, prayer and community gathering. Rooted in the early Christian practice of honouring a local saint on his feast day, Patterns became important spiritual and social occasions in rural Ireland. The Pattern of St Berrihert continues this heritage. During the nine days, individuals and families visit the Kyle and Well to make the "rounds", recite the Rosary, and offer personal prayers and
PICTURES: Annual pattern of St Berrihert begins in Tipperary
A special gathering for communal prayers will take place at St Berrihert's Kyle and Holy Well at Ardane near Bansha, Co Tipperary, on Sunday 22 February at 2.30pm.
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St Berrihert's Kyle, cursing-curing stone.
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A tree adorned with pieces of cloth at St Berrihert's Kyle and Well.
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St Berrihert's Kyle at Ardane, Bansha, Co Tipperary.
