Sharing Trip to Iona

By Maurice Hill

Gail and I were blessed with the opportunity to travel to the Island of Iona, Scotland, in June. We spent a week on Iona as part of a retreat with the Celtic Spirituality author John Philip Newell, his wife Ali Newell, and several wonderful fellow “students”.

We flew to Glasgow, Scotland, and spent a couple of days relaxing after the long travel from Southern California.

Next, we took a train to Oban on the Firth of Lorn. After spending a night in Oban, we took a ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull and then bussed to the island’s western shore at Fionnphort. From there, we boarded a second ferry for the short trip to the Isle of Iona. We stayed at the St. Columba Hotel for a full week.

Celtic spirituality emerged in the early centuries of Christianity in Ireland and western Scotland, emphasizing God’s presence in all creation, the sacredness of daily life, and the idea of “thin places” where heaven and earth seem especially close. Iona is one of those “thin places.” One of its most influential figures was St. Columba, who established a monastery on the isle of Iona in 563 CE (common era). From Iona, Columba and his companions spread the Christian faith throughout Scotland, leaving a spiritual legacy of prayer, hospitality, learning, and reverence for the natural world that continues to inspire people today.

After leaving the Isle of Iona we traveled by ferry, bus and train to Edinburgh. We spent a few days there exploring the history of the city and surrounding areas. We flew home from Glasgow after visiting the Scottish highlands and Loch Ness. Many of you asked, so, this summer, Gail and I plan on hosting a discussion of our spiritual trip – complete with photos, discussion of Celtic spirituality and history. We’ll meet in the Parish Hall. Stay tuned for more details.