Around a Thin Place: An Iona Pilgrimage Guide

by Jane Bentley, Neil Paynter

For centuries pilgrims have travelled to the isle of Iona in search of the sacred, inspired by the example of St Columba, a 6th-century Irish monk who founded a monastery there, and whose influence is felt to the present day. Many modern-day pilgrims and seekers are also drawn to the island through the work of the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian community acting for justice and peace, the rebuilding of the common life and the renewal of worship. The Iona Community runs a weekly pilgrimage around the island for those who visit, pausing for reflection at places of spiritual and historical significance, and at less obvious landmarks which offer inspiration for our daily lives and our engagement with the wider world.

190 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been to Iona, so the book took me a while to warm to. The first couple of sections felt a little so-so and I put the book aside. Perhaps it was all the photographs of people in raincoats that was a little off-putting.

When I came back to finish the book after a long break, I found the remainder of the book absorbing and compelling.

Celtic Blessing

May God's goodness be yours
and well, and seven times well, may you spend your lives:
may you be an isle in the sea,
may you be a hill on the shore,
may you be a star in the darkness,
may you be a staff to the weak
and may the power of the Spirit
pour on you, richly and generously,
today, and in the days to come.

Celtic Prayer
You are an island in the sea, O God,
you are a hill on the shore,
you are a star in the darkness,
you are a staff to the weak.

O, my soul's healer,
when I am lost and tired and stumbling,
you shield and support me.
God, help me to give light, love and support to others.
Based on the Carmina Gadelica.