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By Vanessa Hammond
IN the memoir of her post-cancer spiritual journey, novelist Jennifer Lash says: “Make a pilgrimage. Go to ancient places. Go where there are contemporary seekers. Just go! Go whatever way it works out.”
That’s a wonderful introduction to pilgrimage: a journey that is unique for each one of us – and different even if we return again and again to the places and experiences that have special significance for us.
Every year I, and a group of others – some returning, some whom I meet for the first time at the airport – make a wonderful journey to Ireland, my homeland, and at least one other Celtic area.
Of course we explore the beautiful landscape and wonderful ancient sacred sites; but we also explore our own roots, often taking with us an important question, or just needing time out from hectic schedules.
This is not a commercial tour, but a traditional pilgrimage group of fellow-travellers – each taking an equal share of costs and responsibilities. This way, we each have a stake – and reward – in the joy of pilgrimage.
Along our journey, we meet with local historians, clergy and guides to add to the information we take with us. We gain local colour by staying at retreat centres, B&Bs and at least one favourite family hotel.
We adapt our plans as we travel together, trying to ensure that each of us can fulfill our ‘heart’s desire’ for the pilgrimage – and return home enriched in unexpected and delightful ways.
As a two-time pilgrim told me: “I never anticipated the depth of my response, or the feeling of being at home in this wonderful, spirit-filled landscape.”
In September, a group of no more than 12 of us will make the 10th Island Pilgrims journey to Ireland and Wales. Following a tradition that extends back many thousands of years, we will visit sites that have called to generation after generation.
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We will ask ourselves and each other why, in this secular age, more and more people are setting out each year on pilgrimage.
For some of us, it is a return to our beloved homeland; for others, an exploration of the source of many of our Christian traditions – especially our liturgies and hymns – for some a totally new adventure; and for others, it’s a time away from everyday pressures, to think about our lives, priorities and future.
As good pilgrims, we plan ahead, learning about the Celtic, pre-Celtic and early Christian places we will visit. We enjoy the yearning, the anticipation. We’ll each take a favourite prayer, hymn, poem or reading to share with the group.
As we start to travel together, we will form the pilgrim ‘communitas.’ The group is always small enough to adapt to particular interests that develop during our time together.
Pilgrimage is such a time of growth and discovery, that none of us ever knows at the start what will spark our special interest.
This year’s pilgrimage will start with two days in a remote and wonderful retreat centre in Wales, then time at both famous and hidden parts of our Celtic Christian tradition in Ireland.
We will stay several nights in each place, so that we can each move at our own pace. We’ll end with a peaceful night in England.
As T.S. Eliot writes: “We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started – and know the place for the first time.”
Contact: canadac.com/celtic/events.html.
May 2010
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