A Pilgrim’s Diary

This Deacon’s Pilgrimage Account from Iona

September 21, 2024 5:30 PM Iona Time

The descriptive word for the Celtic Artisan Journal being used for this pilgrimage diary is: “If you have the words, there’s always a chance that you’ll find the way.” (Seamus Heaney)

We have arrived in Iona. We have been greeted warmly by the staff here at Iona Abbey. We have had tea and ginger snaps. We have been assigned rooms. I am in Room 15 with one other woman who is from St. David’s in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

I got settled, grabbed my camera and this journal to find a place to thank God for our safe arrival and to seek a blessing for my time and our time here this week.

I first wandered through the Abbey Church, lit a candle in thanksgiving, sat for a bit in what appeared to be a hermit’s space, and then made my way out to this garden space. This is the ruins of the bread and ale house that once stood on this spot.

It is quiet here, though the chatter of the community in the kitchen area can be heard through an open window. There is a gentle, cool breeze. A cute little bird has joined me. She is black with a full white face. To be honest, she reminds me of a habited nun.

I am pleasantly surprised that our accommodations are not as rustic as I feared. They are cozy, clean, and rather modern. Who would have thought?

My roommate is Carol. She came up to me just now to let me know that she snagged an extra pillow for me. She delivered her message and went on her way.

A black crow-like bird has flown by announcing his arrival quite loudly. There are song birds all about. I suspect they are singing their good night to the sun that is setting off to my left.

I am here. I have arrived. This is the next place of my pilgrimage. The journey here was phase one. There is much to write about, though this does not seem to be the time. There will be a right moment to reflect on the trek here. We ventured forth from South Hadley, Massachusetts at 3:30 PM on September 19, 2024. We arrived at Iona at 3:30 PM Scottish time on September 21. It is 5:50 PM Scottish time right now. We will gather for our evening meal at 6:30 PM.

I needed this time to gather my thoughts, to be grateful, and to open my senses to the wonder of this place. I await the magic and whatever God and all the holy of holies who inhabit this space have in store for me.

Come Holy Spirit or as they say in these parts, “Come, O Wild Goose.”

This is the beginning. I am ready to begin.