Walking with the Celtic Saints
St.
Chad's College, Durham, England
August 18-28, 2024
Leaders:
Susie Skillen, Adele and Doug Calhoun
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| Durham Cathedral |
This pilgrimage explores the lives and spirituality of the saints of the Celtic tradition who re-evangelized Northumbria in England in the 7th and 8th centuries: Saints Aidan and Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Saint Hilda of Whitby and the Venerable Bede who chronicled the history of these saints only a few decades after their deaths.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, England was invaded by pagan barbarian tribes, the Angles and the Saxons. Christianity in England nearly disappeared. Then in 633, Irish monks from the Island of Iona came to Northumbria with the gospel. St. Aidan founded a monastery on the Island of Lindisfarne as his headquarters. And the Celtic re-evangelization of Northern England began.
The spirit of this Celtic outreach included rhythms of daily prayer, hospitality to all, and a deep connection to the Creator's beauty and power in creation. The wisdom of Aiden, Cuthbert, Hilda and others all speak into our individualistic and technological ways of thinking. Join us in pondering how Celtic simplicity and incarnational spirituality can be an antidote to the busyness of life that distances us from ourselves, from others, and from God and his creation.
The spirit of this Celtic outreach included rhythms of daily prayer, hospitality to all, and a deep connection to the Creator's beauty and power in creation. The wisdom of Aiden, Cuthbert, Hilda and others all speak into our individualistic and technological ways of thinking. Join us in pondering how Celtic simplicity and incarnational spirituality can be an antidote to the busyness of life that distances us from ourselves, from others, and from God and his creation.
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| St. Cuthbert, Holy Island |
Our days will flow in an alternating rhythm of retreat and meditation days at St. Chad’s College in Durham and travel days when we walk the sacred places. We will visit Hadrian's Wall where the Battle of Heavenfield was won by King Oswald, opening the way for the Celtic missionaries to begin their work in Northumberland. We will visit Hexham Abbey and see the ancient Anglo-Saxon crypt that dates to the time of Bishop Cuthbert. On Lindisfarne Island we will explore the natural beauty that inspired Aidan and Cuthbert where they established their monastery. We will also enjoy the beautiful North York Moors when we visit Whitby and Mount Grace Priory. At Jarrow Hall near Newcastle we will see the Abbey where the Venerable Bede lived, visit the museum dedicated to honoring his life and work, and walk through a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon farm. Durham Cathedral itself has been a place of pilgrimage for over 900 years as the burial place of Cuthbert and Bede. St. Chad's College, in the heart of the ancient city, is just steps away from the Cathedral.
The Celtic saints invite us to reconnect with our hearts, with
wonder and beauty, and with God’s constant and loving presence. They beckon to
us to walk with them.
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| River Wear, Durham |
My walk this day with God,
My walk this day with Christ,
My walk this day with the Spirit
The Threefold all-kindly.
Ho! Ho! Ho! the Threefold all-kindly.
Costs and Conditions
Price per person shared room $3150 (twin or double beds)
Price per person for twin room used as single $3350
Price per person for single ensuite $2950 (only one available)
Price per person for single standard $2800 (only one available, not ensuite)
Non-refundable deposit to hold your place: $850
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| St. Chad's College |
Please Note:
The pilgrimage
assumes the general good health of participants and will include a significant amount of walking. Please be advised that St. Chad's College does not have elevators.
Payments are due
as follows:
December 1, 2023: $1200
February 1, 2024: remainder due
If you are unable to attend the pilgrimage, payments (other than the deposit) will be returned if someone takes your place on the trip.
Space is limited to 16 participants.
To register and pay your deposit, please visit the Registration tab on this website.
Susie may also be contacted at: sjjskillen@gmail.com
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| Whitby Abbey |