Waiting for Christ
This has been such a tough year – not only for so many of us, but for the world as a whole. Like never before, I long for Christ to come and turn this dust we are made of into … Read More
On the Feast Day of St Oran of Iona
I would have liked to write one more post about St Brendan’s Isle, mostly to show you the ruins of the sixth century church and monastery which we shall visit during our pilgrimages next summer. Since today we celebrate St … Read More
The Irish Cells on St Brendan’s Isle
There is something unique about St Brendan’s island, something I find very difficult to put into words, because I have no term of comparison. These Celtic Pilgrimages are filled with places of such spiritual strength that they can be overwhelming. … Read More
The Story of St Brendan’s Monastery
Praying in St Brendan’s monastery is one of the most spiritual experiences of our pilgrimages. To get to the isle is itself an adventure. We wake up very early in the morning, then we find our way to a small loch … Read More
Three Pilgrimages to the Celtic Isles – Summer 2016
The Monastery of All Celtic Saints is absolutely delighted to announce that we shall lead three new Pilgrimages to the Celtic Isles of Scotland over the summer of 2016. We shall visit some of the most remote and authentic places … Read More
Chalices of Flesh and Bones
God’s presence sanctifies all. Space and time – the dull and superficial space and time of our daily lives – are sanctified by Christ’s presence. Think of that this Sunday, when your priest comes out of the Altar holding the chalice … Read More
Sacred Spaces
I’ve always found it difficult to think of sacredness in terms of space (or time, for that matter). If sacredness is (as it is) a result of God’s presence in the world, I cannot see how space or time can … Read More
To Survive Death, To Stay Alive
At the end of it all, what have I achieved?… After this week in a tent, alone to face God and myself, what have I learn? The first thing that comes to heart is that I’ve learnt how close to … Read More
Thin places, where Heaven reveals its violence
People are right, Iona truly is ‘a thin place’, a great Celtic expression, describing special places where Heaven and earth are drawn together. What I didn’t know before I came for this week (and perhaps, what many of us do … Read More
St Columba’s Bay. Impossible love.
I don’t know what to write today. It is all too immediate, too close to me still, and I lack any sense of perspective. It’s been a beautiful, sunny day. I finally got to St Columba’s Bay – all by … Read More