Pilgrimage to Iona

 In June we took a long-anticipated journey to Scotland. Our primary goal was to have some time on the island of Iona, but we also enjoyed a couple weeks of vacation exploring the dramatic landscape and history of Scotland. Given the current challenges of Covid that make travel unpredictable and risky, we almost did not make it to Iona. But by God's grace we were able to be there for a few days, although shorter than planned. We wanted to share a few pictures and highlights from our time on this special island.

One of the ancient crosses near the abbey

For 1400 years, pilgrims have been traveling to the island of Iona, one of the islands of the Inner Hebrides of Western Scotland. Iona was founded as a monastic community in 563 CE by an Irish monk, Saint Columba. It has been described as a “thin place,” a place where heaven meets earth.

On the north coast of Iona

We were greeted by ancient rock formations reportedly formed by volcanic forces more than 1 billion years old. The island feels extra-terrestrial, otherworldly. There are no trees, or only very few. It is like standing on an ancient rock surrounded by icy cold waters, small, yet full of force and vibrancy. It is green, there is lots of mist and rain, and almost everywhere you go you will hear sheep baaing. Crossing the short distance from the island of Mull, one is captivated by the Abbey rebuilt in the 13th century in the very location of the original Abbey of Saint Columba from the 6th century, rebuilt again in the 20th century. 

The Iona Abbey, rebuilt on the same place as Columba's abbey in 600 AD.

They hold daily services in the Abbey

Bob enjoyed some time alone of prayer and reflection

in a quiet corner of the sanctuary

Our experience was filled with holy moments, divine encounters, kindred spirits and new friends along life’s journey, a spirit of worship and hospitality, and hearing the calls and seeing rare and interesting birds, most notably the Corncrake and the Puffin. One highlight was hiking to the very spot where Saint Columba and his companions landed from Ireland in 563 CE, the place from which Columba could no longer see Ireland, thus, the place to start a new community of faith which would spread upwards and outwards. 

Bob talking to a fellow hiker as we approach Columba's Bay

Along the hike, with Columba's Bay in the background

Tiny clusters of orchids along the hike

We passed many sheep as we hiked, in beautiful fields
brightened by tiny daisies and buttercups

We read a biography of Columba (which was written in the seventh century!) during out travels, and were inspired by the powerful ways that God worked through Columba to reveal God's truth, love, and power to people throughout Ireland, Scotland, and Britian. We are so grateful for the introduction that we got to this special part of the world with such rich spiritual history. Truly, God's creation, God's people, and God's Spirit were a source of refreshement that made it feel like we had been on the island for a week rather than just 3 short days.

"...In repentence and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength,

but you would have none of it."

Isaiah 30:15