PREPARING FOR THE STATION During March and October Mass was celebrated in each townland; much painting and cleaning took up the time beforehand. Each piece of wood had to be prepared; poor chimney draughts made the drying of paint difficult. Everyone worried that the neighbors might get their clothes ruined, or that the priest's wide cloak might blow against the door post. China dishes were washed and scoured. Old white tablecloths with silvery designs were washed and starched; the ironing brought up the pattern. The towels edged with heavy lace were used for the small tables, where the priest laid his particles before saying Mass. Bedspreads never seen before came out of old trunks, the Sacred Heart Lamp was polished along with brass candlesticks. The priest gave a sermon telling us to love our neighbour. If a family from the townland was missing it was assumed a row was brewing, or it could be that they wanted to avoid the next turn for Mass. The priest never left without a volunteer promising to take the next Station, Lots of food was served for breakfast in the parlour. -- Mary Guckian, from "Perfume of the Soil, Swan Press 1999.