Returning to the Beginnings

Following the missionary work of St. Patrick (mid 5th century C.E.), several Celtic leaders led the Celtic world into a unique expression of Christian expression that both mirrored the previous Celtic social structure as well as created a new and sustainable means for Christian community to live in love toward one another and with caring commitment toward the whole world.

Many such leaders arose in the following centuries in Ireland, Scotland, England, Whales and beyond. Three of the earliest and most influential leaders in Ireland were Enda, Bridget, and Finnian. We now refer to them as saints. St. Enda is thought by some to be the originator of the monastic expression of Celtic Christianity. St. Bridget is held in very high esteem in both Ireland and Scotland and is a beautiful expression of Celtic spirituality, and St. Finnian was the teacher of The Twelve Apostles of Ireland (including St. Columba) who were instrumental in the spread of this spiritual perspective across the countries and throughout the world.

All three of these Saints founded monastic settlements that were models for communal living for the development of life-giving spiritual practice as well as care for one another and hospitality offered to the surrounding community. Any of these monastic sites serve as very appropriate destinations for pilgrimage journeys. The modern pilgrim can not only study the themes and history of these important birth places of the Celtic Christian perspective and practice, but they can often feel the power of the Spirit that transcends time and invites the modern soul into an encounter with God that is often life-changing and helps to orient the human heart toward the things that truly matter in life.

St. Enda's monastic community was on the island of Inishmore which is one of the three Aran islands off the west coast of Ireland. The Celtic Center pilgrimage (August 2020) is here on this island, and Enda's monastic community ruins and landscape serves as a powerful location for learning, contemplation, silence, and inspiration. Many pilgrims to such places speak of the journey and the encounter with these ancient expressions of faith as life-changing and reorienting for their own spiritual journey and commitments to care for others and Earth as they return. You are invited to join us for this learning and growing experience this August or on a future pilgrimage. Perhaps you too will feel the veil opened a bit and you will feel the presence of God very close outwardly and inwardly.

(Kirk Webb, director of The Celtic Center)