Ireland

Dear Friends –

We invite you to join us on a pilgrimage to Ireland, a land of wonders and delights, saints and scholars! Many of us are drawn to visit the Emerald Isle because of its legendary music, laughter and poetry, as well as its beautiful landscapes and good beer.

But Ireland also allows us to explore a fascinating Christian spiritual tradition with a distinctive culture that lay outside the ancient Roman Empire. How did the Celtic tribes of Ireland in the 400’s hear the Gospel message and make it their own? How did their unique perception of the world lead them to emphasize certain Christian elements? How did the Celtic approach to Christianity influence its development in other lands?

On this 14-day journey through this enchanting island, as we explore the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of Moher, we’ll come to understand Celtic Christianity’s sacramental worldview, seeing God’s presence especially in natural wonders. Visiting Glendalough and the Aran Islands, we’ll discover the priority given by the Celts to a reverence for learning, and many varieties of monastic life. As we hear the stories of Irish missionary saints and centuries of emigrants, we’ll come to know their spiritual call to constant movement and pilgrimage. From graveside high crosses to the Book of Kells, we’ll witness the distinctive art form that blended Celtic culture with Christian faith. Everywhere we go and in everything we do, we’ll encounter the great Celtic spiritual priority of hospitality, of welcoming Christ in the guest or stranger.

In addition to praying together and learning about a vibrant spirituality, we’ll also experience wonderful Irish meals and festivities, song and conversation, as well as the contemporary realities of Irish life.

Because so many visitors want to spend more time in Ireland or explore more of Europe, our pilgrimage will be “land only”, allowing you to arrange your own additional travels before and/or after our group pilgrimage, during which we promise rich and inspiring days of discovery of the wonders of Ireland and its gift of Celtic Christianity.

Beannacht Dé ort (May God’s blessing be upon you) —

Your fellow-pilgrims and spiritual guides,
Gail Gresser and Fr. Felix Just, SJ