Led by Jennie Weeks and the Rev. Robin Jennings | September 16-26, 2024
As you can tell by the banner above this is not a typical blog. Rather it is an invitation and if you are interested, I hope you will keep reading. The pilgrimage to Scotland is actually Part II, of a pilgrimage continuing our exploration of the 5th century Christian revival which Thomas Cahill refers to as nothing short of saving civilization.
It really is quite a story beginning with the patron saints, St. Patrick and St. Brigid, who brought Christianity to Ireland with remarkable leadership and talents by recognizing how the natural world and elements of earth, wind, fire, and water, all revealed the sparkle of the divine Trinity to a world that found God present in everyday life. This same understanding of Celtic Christianity was witnessed by the third patron saint, St. Columba, on the sacred Isle of Iona.
We will visit Iona on this pilgrimage and we will worship in the Abbey which literally lays the groundwork as we walk in the steps of these early Christians and reflect further upon their Spirit of revival. We also will have a little excitement as well, when we trace St. Columba to the Highlands of Scotland where believe it or not, he was the first to face down the Loch Ness monster and live to talk about it!
Speaking of Scotland, we will spend our first two nights in Edinburgh which is the jewel of Scotland. Along with time to relax and orient ourselves we will focus attention on St. Cuthbert and the importance of anam cara “soul friends” as we begin to discuss our faith-journey and spirit of pilgrimage one with another. From Edinburgh we travel to the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne.
These sites are amazing and be assured we will walk and travel at a leisurely pace. You all that went with us to Ireland will recall not only the beauty of the land but the calming pace of which we travelled really reinforced the signs and wonders we experienced along the way. Again, we have spaced out our itinerary so we not only cover important sites but uncover time, relaxation, and the gift of being present to these sacred places and spaces we visit while on pilgrimage. Several nights will be spent in Durham which again keeps us settled in one place without packing and unpacking and pushing bags around.
You may also recall, when we went to Ireland in September, 2022, it was balmy, blue sky and it maybe only drizzled one time. Whether or not we will have the same “Irish luck” in Scotland, who knows but we will check the weather forecast further as the date approaches. We found September a great time not only for weather but there were far less tourists, kids were back in school, and merchants were cutting prices on all kinds of gifts and souvenirs because winter is right around the corner and many shops close for the season. They are thrilled to see us.
Finally, one other added bonus is Conor Delaney will be our guide. For those of you who went to Ireland you will recall his knowledge and wisdom—plus a little Irish humor—that made our visit absolutely delightful.
Of course, I am comparing last time with Ireland and this time with Scotland because we saw Scotland as an important companion to the Celtic revival. Without making a plug, I do hope to have soon a book published, entitled: Expressions of the Soul: Celtic Christianity and Life with God. I trust you understand my excitement and hope you join us, September 16-26, 2024.
For a complete itinerary, cost and registration, please contact either:
Jennie Weeks [email protected] or Robin Jennings [email protected]
call Jennie (502) 762-4705 or Robin (502) 741-1017 for further questions.
0 thoughts on “Celtic Christianity in Scotland”
While I can’t travel outside the country there is no one I would rather go with than Reverend Robin Jennings. He has been blessed with the gift of sharing the joy of knowing Christ. He is an excellent teacher using his smile, warmth, humor, and knowledge of scripture to bring you closer to God’s plan for us. For those who go, it will be the trip of a lifetime. – Alan L. (Louisville, KY)