A Special weekend for IONA (June 2013)
Reflecting on the theme of pilgrimage – to the home of one
of Christ’s great ambassadors – Columba, on a special weekend for IONA. A
significant double celebration:1450 years since the saint died and 75 years of
the IONA COMMUNITY.
So, very many thanks and congratulations to those who have, in the last three-quarters of a century carried the flame of Celtic-style Christianity throughout the world. We are among many who have been privileged to draw on that ministry and find peace and inspiration on that small island especially on the (summertime) weekly, thought-provoking, pilgrimages. The Machair, which features in this poem is one of the ‘stations’. Others, especially ‘The Nunnery’, feature among the other IONA poems on this blog. Click through to 'The Nunnery' (with its reflection on Women's ministry)
So, very many thanks and congratulations to those who have, in the last three-quarters of a century carried the flame of Celtic-style Christianity throughout the world. We are among many who have been privileged to draw on that ministry and find peace and inspiration on that small island especially on the (summertime) weekly, thought-provoking, pilgrimages. The Machair, which features in this poem is one of the ‘stations’. Others, especially ‘The Nunnery’, feature among the other IONA poems on this blog. Click through to 'The Nunnery' (with its reflection on Women's ministry)
I’m one of those people who finds the
sentiments of the hymn ‘Jerusalem’ a bit difficult – so a re-working of that poem to
offer into the COLUMBA celebrations felt not only appropriate but enjoyable
too!
Iona:
Blake Revisited
And did monks' feet tread ancient thyme
walking the Machair's verdant green?
And was a Holiness from God
in Columb's radiant visage seen?
And does the fragrance and the light
of Heaven link with this fair place,
uplifting hearts and souls that yearn
to render Christ a humble praise?
