The Pilgrimage
Christian life is a journey and the earth is a way, not a destination.
Pilgrimage is the single most important expression of Celtic Christianity. Those in the Anamchara Fellowship will endeavor to make specific pilgrimages throughout our membership, but will live our lives each day as a type of pilgrimage toward the City of God.
"Pilgrims continue on their quest, welcoming others as companions on a journey that has many twists and deviations. Unless the pilgrim carries with him that which he seeks, he will never find it when he arrives." (Ian Bradley).
Part of every journey is a time to relax and be thankful.
Members of the Anamchara Fellowship will come together annually (preferably within the octave of Trinity Sunday) for a time of fellowship, retreat and tending to community concerns. As a sign of commitment to the Fellowship, a walking staff may be presented to the new member, with a pledge by the members of the Fellowship to support and encourage the new member on his/her way.
A coracle (small boat) stands as a symbol of trust at a side altar on Holy Island, (Lindesfarne) in Northumbria. It, along with the walking staff, are two potent symbols of pilgrimage.
"Perhaps one of the most important messages that the Celtic Christian emphasis on pilgrimage gives us today is to return to the ancient notions of Christians as a people of (and on) the Way. This does not have to be the Celtic way but it does involve a self-understanding of Christians as travelers and voyagers and a view of the Church as an essentially provisional community. A pilgrim church lives lightly to buildings, financial support and hierarchies.” (Ian Bradley – Celtic Christian Communities). Many , feeling beleaguered and threatened, abandon pilgrimage and provisionality for an outlook and a structure more appropriate to a narrow “settler’s way of life”.
2009 Pilgrimage: July 24 - August 3
A Celtic Experience of Poetic Proportions
Travel with us to Ireland for 10 glorius days. Take in such Celtic site as: The Book of Kells and Christ Cathedral in Dublin, The Monastic cities of Glendalough and Kildare. We shall stop at The Rock of Cashel, Melifont Abbey, the pre-Christian mound of Knowth. We shall continue our excursion on the Dingle Penisula where we will be able to choose from experiences like a horseback rife along the beach, learn to play the celtic drum at the music school or try our hands at pottery. Our journey will end with a visit to the Cliffs of Mohr. Throughout our journey we shall have the joy of reflecting on the writings of well known Celtic poets with Dr. Laura Dabundo of Kennisaw State University and we shall be lead through various aspects of Celtic Spirituality and Liturgy with Sisters Barbara Jean and Julian.