Capstone

Following in Celtic Footsteps: A Pilgrimage to Iona and Ancient Missions of Britain

JULY 17–29, 2022

Led by The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason & Canon Jennifer King Daugherty

Rescheduled from August 2020 due to the pandemic, but open to anyone at this point, the shape of this 11-day trip is contemplative and communal, drawing on the ancient wisdom of Celtic spirituality and the monastic rhythms of worship, prayer, and life in community, while also delighting in the serene beauty of the landscape. We will fly to Glasgow where we will spend one night before heading to the island of Iona, known as a “thin place” of holy presence. Four nights on Iona will create the space for the contemplative spirit to awaken. From there we travel to Edinburgh for two nights, attending Sunday worship in the great cathedral and visiting historic sites in the region. We depart early to time our visit to the Holy Island of Lindsfarne and the tidal rhythms that allow safe passage before heading to Durham for four nights, with lodging just down from magnificent Durham Cathedral, containing Cuthbert’s shrine and Bede’s tomb. With Durham as our base, we will move about the ancient missions of Northumbria. Inspiration along our journey will draw on the lives of early saints like Columba, Aidan, and Bede as well as writings by modern spiritualists like John Phillip Newell, John O’Donohue, and Esther de Waal. There will be two pre-pilgrimage gatherings for those who make the trip. Download the pilgrimage brochure here.  

On June 26, 2022, those participating in the pilgrimage took part in a dinner and hybrid meeting to discuss logistical details of the trip, and to hear a presentation by Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage. A video of Phil's presentation and Q&A may be seen below: