NeuroDivine

On 2 January, the Church of Ireland keeps the feast of Saint Munchin, the quiet yet foundational patron of Limerick. His memory is woven not through dramatic miracles or grand gestures, but through the slow, faithful shaping of community—hospitality offered without fuss, prayer built into the very stones of his dwelling, and a deep attentiveness to the land and people entrusted to his care.

For those of us who explore faith through the lens of neurodivergence, Munchin’s witness offers something precious. He models a spirituality that does not demand noise or spectacle, but honours presence, rhythm, and the holiness of steady work. His life invites us to imagine sanctity as something crafted patiently—like a hearth tended, a wall built, a welcome extended.

This hymn, shared recently with the Bishop of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, the Right Rev. Michael Burrows, is written in that spirit. It traces Munchin’s story through the sensory landscape of Munster—river mist, curlew cry, hearth-fire glow—and invites us to see how God’s peace is shaped in ordinary places by ordinary hands. In singing it, we join a lineage of quiet courage and gentle care, praying that our own homes and communities might become, like Munchin’s abbey, places where love is known and all are welcomed.

1.
By the Shannon’s flowing waters,
Where the reeds in silence bend,
Christ raised up a faithful shepherd,
Munchin, guide and steadfast friend.
In the mists of early morning,
Where the heron keeps its stand,
He discerned your voice of mercy,
Calling peace upon this land.

2.
Stone by stone he shaped a dwelling,
Prayer enfolding every wall;
Strangers, pilgrims, weary wanderers
Found a welcome, one and all.
Like the hearth-fire’s steady glowing,
Warm with grace that does not cease,
Munchin gathered hearts together,
Fashioned them in holy peace.

3.
Through the fields of Munster’s valleys,
Where the curlew’s cry rings clear,
He proclaimed your living gospel,
Spoke your hope to banish fear.
In the storms that swept the shoreline,
Still he held your guiding light;
Teach us now such faithful courage
As we journey through the night.

4.
Christ, who shaped his quiet labour
Into blessing for your own,
Make our homes like Munchin’s abbey—
Places where your love is known.
Spirit, flame of Irish longing,
Kindle us to serve and care;
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Bless your Church in Limerick fair.

Suggested tune Everton 8787D. By H T Smart.

Text Copyright © Michael McFarland Campbell 2025.