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Saint Francis and the Grace of an Unfinished Garden
An autumn garden can look untidy to us and generous to almost everything else. Saint Francis helps us see the difference.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Sep 264 min read


A Rosary for the Darkening Evenings
Autumn changes the shape of an evening. In summer, daylight seems to keep making suggestions: one more job outdoors, one more walk, one more hour before the day is finished.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Sep 144 min read


More Than Birds and Blessings: The Beautiful and Uncomfortable Saint Francis
Saint Francis loved creation—but he also embraced poverty, approached people others avoided and crossed a war line in search of peace.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Sep 29 min read


Saint Melangell: the Celtic Saint of Hares, Sanctuary and Gentle Prayer
Discover Saint Melangell, the Celtic patron saint of hares, and her enduring story of sanctuary, compassion and gentle prayer in Wales.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Jul 235 min read


Saint Hildegard of Bingen: Visions, Herbs and the Living Green of Creation
Discover Saint Hildegard of Bingen, her mystical visions, healing herbs, sacred music and the greening power of God known as viriditas.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Jul 196 min read


The Wool and the Bees: A Film and Reflection from Sibyl Dana Reynolds
Watch Sibyl Dana Reynolds’ reflection on bees, wool, Paisley ancestry, prayer, and sacred making, shared as a guest piece for Paisley Honey.

Sibyl Dana Reynolds
Jul 63 min read


When the Garden Grows Around Grief
The garden is not solemn. It is not holding back out of respect for human sorrow. The nasturtiums are moving in the breeze. The flowers are opening. The green things are reaching over edges and filling spaces. The bees are working with their usual impossible urgency, and in the apiary, colonies are dividing and beginning again.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Jun 275 min read


From Sketch to Prayer: Designing a Saint Francis Rosary
Saint Francis is one of those saints whose presence seems to soften the world around him. He is remembered for poverty, peace, humility, tenderness towards creation, and a way of prayer that feels deeply Christian while also profoundly close to the earth. Birds, animals, sunlight, work, poverty, song, and mercy all seem to gather around him. When we began designing this Saint Francis rosary, we wanted it to feel rooted in that world. Not polished grandeur. Not something overl

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Jun 88 min read


An Alphabet of Bees: From Ashy Mining Bees to Zigzag Leafcutters
Bees are far more varied than many of us realise. When we say “bee”, most people picture either the familiar honey bee or a soft, stripy bumblebee moving sleepily from flower to flower. But the bee world is much wider than that. There are mining bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees, furrow bees, carpenter bees, flower bees, nomad bees and many more. Some live in hives. Many do not. Some nest in the ground, some in hollow stems, some in old walls, and some cut perfect little circ

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
May 910 min read


A to Z of Celtic Spirituality: 26 Ancient Themes for Prayerful Living
Celtic spirituality continues to capture the imagination of Christians, pilgrims, and seekers alike. Rooted in the early Christian traditions of Scotland, Ireland, and other Celtic lands, it is known for its love of prayer, blessing, pilgrimage, hospitality, sacred place, and daily devotion. More than a romantic vision of misty islands and stone abbeys, Celtic spirituality offers a deeply Christian way of seeing the world: one in which ordinary life is touched by grace, creat

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Apr 208 min read


The Desert, the Bees, and the Soul: Why Lent Isn’t About Punishment
There is a quiet misunderstanding about Lent that returns every year. Somewhere along the way, we began to treat Lent like a spiritual endurance test — a harsh season of denial, grit, and willpower. We picture it as grey, grim, joyless: something to “get through,” something to survive. But Lent was never meant to crush us. It was meant to heal us. Lent is not a punishment. Lent is a return. And return is not about proving your strength — it is about remembering God’s gentlene

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Feb 25 min read


The Rosary and Celtic Spirituality: A Legacy of Saint Patrick
The rosary is one of the most cherished devotions in Catholicism, a prayerful meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But its deep roots extend beyond the structured prayers we know today. The rosary’s spiritual essence finds an intimate connection with early Irish Christian traditions, particularly those shaped by Saint Patrick. As the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick’s missionary work laid the foundation for a uniquely Celtic form of Christian

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Mar 13, 20254 min read


Saint Isidore the Farmer: Faith and Work in the Fields
Saint Isidore the Farmer, also known as Isidore the Laborer, is a deeply revered figure in the Catholic Church, celebrated as the patron saint of farmers and laborers. His life offers a profound testament to the integration of faith and work, a theme that resonates with many, especially those who labor in physically demanding and essential roles. As we explore the life of Saint Isidore, we find a model of humility, devotion, and dedication to both his work and his faith—a pow

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Sep 2, 20245 min read


What Do Scottish Honey Bees Forage on in May?
In May, Scottish bees have access to a variety of flowering plants that provide abundant sources of pollen and nectar. We have been watching the weight in our hives increase with the help of our new remote sensors. The bees are bringing in plenty of forage and building up stores. So whats on the menu? The main sources of May forage in Scotland Some of the biggest sources of pollen and nectar for Scottish bees in May include: Wildflowers: Scotland's diverse landscape is dotted

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
May 2, 20243 min read


May Flowers and the Rosary: A Marian Prayer Guide
In the gentle embrace of May, as the world awakens from the slumber of winter, nature unfolds a tapestry of vibrant hues and fragrant blooms. Amongst this symphony of colors, there exists a profound connection between the blossoming of wildflowers and the timeless ritual of prayer with rosary beads. Both evoke a sense of beauty, serenity, and devotion, inviting us to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the sacredness of the moment. Flowers as prompts for Marian prayer Th

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Apr 28, 20244 min read


How to Create a Rosary Garden for Prayer
As the season of spring blossoms with new life and rejuvenation, many seek to connect with nature in meaningful ways. One beautiful expression of this connection is the creation of rosary gardens – serene outdoor spaces designed for prayer, meditation, and reflection. In this blog, we'll delve into the art of crafting a rosary garden, exploring tips and ideas for infusing these sacred spaces with elements of springtime renewal. Drawing inspiration from both nature and spiritu

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Apr 5, 20244 min read


Why Saint Francis Is the Patron Saint of Animals
Saint Francis of Assisi is widely associated with animals, care for creation and a life of radical simplicity. Early Franciscan stories, his Canticle of the Creatures and later traditions of blessing animals have made him especially meaningful to animal lovers. This guide separates established history from devotional legend while exploring why his example still matters. Why Saint Francis became associated with animals and ecology Compassion for All Creatures Early Franciscan

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Mar 8, 20244 min read


Copal Amber: Nature's Time Capsule
Learn how copal differs from amber, how natural resin changes over time, what inclusions can reveal and how to care for copal jewellery and beads.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Oct 28, 20234 min read


Bluebells in Britain: History, Folklore and Conservation
Explore native British bluebells, their woodland history and folklore, how to distinguish Spanish and hybrid plants, and what the law protects.

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
Sep 19, 20234 min read


What's the difference between Honey Bees and Bumble Bees?
Hello there! Today, we're going to talk about the difference between two types of bees that you may have come across in your garden or park - honey bees and bumblebees. While both of these insects play a crucial role in pollination and are often mistaken for each other, they have some distinct differences that make them unique. So, let's dive in! First of all, let's talk about honey bees, like the one in the above video. Honey bees are social insects that live in large coloni

Fiach OBroin-Molloy
May 2, 20233 min read
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