Iona Pilgrims

Over the week of the 13th to the 19th June, eight Stonehaven pilgrims enjoyed the simple but profound beauty of Iona. Travelling to Iona to stay for a week with the Iona Community is pilgrimage. We all left our own shoreline behind for that of the island with, no doubt, slightly different hopes and expectations for the week that was before us. We were, however, united in our hope that this would be a journey and time of significance.

The Iona Community is very clear that spending a week with them is an experience first and foremost of "living in community". Guests staying, as we did, at the Macleod Centre not only share dorms for up to 7 people but also help with the many chores that keep the place going from day to day. The chores are not onerous, being soon done, they are though one of the key ways community is built as there is a lot of laughter in their doing as well as casual and easy interaction which rapidly helps to develop and deepen the relationships with the many other people who are there.

Each day begins and ends with a short service in the Abbey. These follow simple liturgies led by the volunteers and staff of the community. The appeal of the liturgies lies in the careful thought given to each and every word that is said. Every word is like a polished pebble washed in water glistening and sparkling with beauty and significance.                                                                                                                                   

The programme for the week covered pilgrimage,  creation and the themes of peace and justice. All important aspects of the life of St. Columba who had founded the original Iona Community in 563 AD. There was also the opportunity to take part in the weekly pilgrimage around the island and to join in the Big and Wee Sings which are a feature of the musical landscape of the community with guests practicing and singing songs in harmony from all over the world. In the gaps, there was time for chat, a stroll to the shops or a walk to drink in the truly beautifuls views and scenery of the island. Pilgrimage is not retreat and,  whilst a week on Iona can refresh and restore the soul, it can also leave one very tired!

It is said that "The veil between heaven and earth is very thin on Iona" and this may be because the people who go there are very often seeking a deeper encounter with God through his creation, his people and the daily celebration in worship of his presence amongst us and, although sometimes this encounter can come as a challenge and sometimes as pure consolation, God never disappoints.

The 2009 pilgrims were Sarah Dickinson, Rosslyn Duncan, Susan Jenkins, Linda Lawton, Kathleen McNab, Christine Strachan, Mary Swinton and Margaret Wells.