by Ann McLaren
Sue Jenkins (now McLeod), our Family Ministry coordinator, is organizing visit to Iona in July 2008, for the members of the Plan B youth group to attend the Youth Festival that will be held from July 26-August 1. There will also be a retreat for the adults who accompany the group, and any others who would like to attend.
Iona is an island off the west coast of Scotland where, in the year 563, St. Columba went to establish a monastery that became a centre of Celtic Christianity. Here the monks developed a model for other Celtic monasteries, centred on daily prayer, worship, study and copying the scriptures, farming and fishing, and hospitality to all. In the 9th century, when the community was devastated by the invasion of the Vikings, the illuminated manuscript now known as the Book of Kells was saved by being transported to Ireland. In the 13th century a Benedictine monastery was established on the island, which eventually fell into ruins.
In 1938 the old abbey was restored as a modern ecumenical retreat center, open to people from all over the world. The island is accessible by ferry from the Isle of Mull, which is itself reached by ferry from Oban. To persons from the west coast of BC, who are accustomed to the concept of two ferries to reach an island destination, the travel requirement to reach this remote location will be familiar. The difference will be in the realization of the importance of Iona in the history of the early Christian church, and in the opportunity to reflect on the presence of God in an international gathering place. Through the experience of nature on the island, worship in the Celtic tradition, joyful music, participation in the daily activities of the Iona community, and sharing of all this with other visitors, pilgrims may be strengthened in their faith in God and in their understanding of human nature and the world.
The Celtic Fest that was recently held at St. John’s provided an opportunity to hear again about the culture of the early people of the British Isles. We were able to listen to some ancient stories and poetry, hear songs and the music of the harp, appreciate the sculpture and design on the stone high crosses of Ireland, and take part in activities such as creating a high cross and arch, dancing Irish dance, performing at a Ceilidh, and worship using a Celtic liturgy. We were reminded of the faith of the Celtic saints, and the lives they led. Iona figured prominently in this history, so the whole festival helped to provide a background for next summer’s trip there.
The group from St. John’s will travel together on July 19. For several days they will be based in Sue Jenkins’ home village near Manchester, before they make their way to Iona. Fund-raising for the youth on this trip is on-going, so we have had sales of such things as cookie dough, pumpkins, and cards made by Sue. Recently the profit from parish brunches has been added to the fund. In the new year we can expect to hear about more activities related to this exciting project.