“A Friendship Blessing” from Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
by John O'Donohue
"May you be blessed as good friends. May you learn to be a good friend to yourself. May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where there is great love, warmth, feeling, and forgiveness. May this change you. May it transfigure that which is negative, distant, or cold in you. May you be brought into the real passion, kinship, and affinity of belonging. May you treasure one another, sharing all the blessings, challenges, truth, and light that you need for your journey. May you never be isolated. May you always be in the gentle nest of belonging with your anam cara.”
The term anam cara first came into Rev. Kathleen’s consciousness in 1996. She had just completed three years of ministry studies and was about to be licensed. She recalls reading a book that made reference to Irish writer-theologian-mystic, John O’Donohue, and his use of the word anam cara. In ancient Ireland, the anam cara was the priest (or priestess) that spiritually companioned the one entering the dying process. Given that a death must precede any new beginning, anam cara became the inspiration for Rev. Kathleen’s new ministry, and what would eventually become Anam Cara Connections. (See Rev. Kathleen’s full bio under “About Rev. Kathleen.”)
A core council was formed the summer of 2008. Rev. Kathleen selected women whom she had mentored in a 9-month anam cara program, and who were strong in vision and leadership. First came the mission statement, followed by Articles of Incorporation and then by-laws. In October of 2008 ACC received an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, and was recognized a week later by the State of Oregon as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation. With those two important documents in hand, then began the process of applying for tax-exempt status with the IRS. Six months later, on July 22, 2009 (New Moon & Feast Day of Mary Magdalene) ACC was granted tax exempt status. (See Donations for more about giving.)
Currently anam caras connect through the website, attending seasonal ceremonies, participating in the First Friday dialogues, taking a class or workshop, and enrolling in a retreat.