‘And you really believe that she and Jesus came to Iona and had a child?’ Imelda still found it a hard concept to swallow.

‘So the Mystery Schools have taught their initiates for the last two thousand years, passing the teachings on from generation to generation. Her story represents the entire regeneration of women. Now it’s all being revealed, Mam. I mean, don’t you think it’s extraordinary to see a white tower on a church on an island off the Scottish coast, and inside a stained-glass window depicting a heavily pregnant Magdalene holding the hand of Jesus? It’s fascinating! Don’t forget we have a Magdalene tower ourselves in Drogheda.’

‘I never knew that,’ Brigid said, intrigued.

‘There are towers all over Europe actually, but this one here is very special.’ Keelin was bubbling with excitement as Marie-Claire parked the car outside Kilmore church and they got out, eagerly anticipating the next stop on their itinerary.

They pushed open the iron gate, walked up the winding path and entered the tiny porch that led into a small, homely church, filled with light and serenity. The evening sun streamed multicolour rays through the striking stained-glass windows.

They gazed in awe at the window Keelin had so longed to see. Again, in ‘plain sight’ the clues that this was indeed Jesus and a beautifully pregnant Mary Magdalene, depicted in stained glass. A halo with a cross, seen above the window uniquely symbolizing Jesus, the Christ and below a banner that read Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Keelin googled her notes on her iPad. ‘That gospel text,’ she pointed out, ‘it’s from Luke, chapter ten, verses thirty-eight to forty-two, where Martha complains of doing all the work while Mary sits listening to Jesus teach—’

‘I always felt sorry for poor old Martha. Someone had to do the housework,’ Imelda said firmly, having for so long felt that she was very much cast in a Martha role.

‘I know,’ Keelin laughed. ‘But there is a theory that Jesus was actually explaining to Martha that women can achieve a higher path with their lives, rather than the traditional role – the path of study and higher spiritual learning.’

‘Hmm,’ Imelda studied the window.

‘Look at their positions: doesn’t it remind you of the ancient Celtic marriage ceremony of the hand fastening? That would have been very familiar to the people of the isles, and recognized by “those with eyes to see” – the truth hidden in plain sight. Look at all the Cathar symbols: the sheaf of corn, the bee, the grapes, the towers, the dove. And look at the beautiful mural of the dove. Her symbol, painted over the pulpit. It’s all much more than coincidence. Esoteric truths are here for all.’ Keelin positioned her camera to take a photo.