A pilgrimage to Iona is not for everyone, perhaps not even for most visitors to Scotland, but for travelers with an appreciation for spirituality and an interest in the history of Christianity in Scotland, it's a highly recommended visit.
Iona is a vibrant, ecumenical community of progressive Christians worshiping and working together on this remote island in the Hebrides. The journey itself is a reminder of how remote the place is. The trip begins with a 45 minute ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull. At the ferry terminal, you catch a red bus to Iona for a 75 minute trip on a single lane road (with beautiful sights along the way and the informative banter of the bus driver who describes what you're seeing and the history of Mull). Finally, there is another 15 minute ferry ride to take you the final mile across the channel to the small island of Iona.
The Abbey has been restored, and it's the home and place of worship for the Iona Community. I've always felt the difference when visiting a church that is home to a vital worshiping community (rather than being just a tourist site), and this is certainly the case with the church at Iona. There's no organ — the music is provided with a keyboard — and a poster with the words of Micah 6:8 reminds the Community of their mission, to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Iona is the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, having been the home of St. Columbo who is buried on the island (and who is pictured in the stained glass window above). Visitors can also tour the ruins of the ancient nunnery and visit several craft shops.
Iona is a vibrant, ecumenical community of progressive Christians worshiping and working together on this remote island in the Hebrides. The journey itself is a reminder of how remote the place is. The trip begins with a 45 minute ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull. At the ferry terminal, you catch a red bus to Iona for a 75 minute trip on a single lane road (with beautiful sights along the way and the informative banter of the bus driver who describes what you're seeing and the history of Mull). Finally, there is another 15 minute ferry ride to take you the final mile across the channel to the small island of Iona.
The Abbey has been restored, and it's the home and place of worship for the Iona Community. I've always felt the difference when visiting a church that is home to a vital worshiping community (rather than being just a tourist site), and this is certainly the case with the church at Iona. There's no organ — the music is provided with a keyboard — and a poster with the words of Micah 6:8 reminds the Community of their mission, to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Iona is the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, having been the home of St. Columbo who is buried on the island (and who is pictured in the stained glass window above). Visitors can also tour the ruins of the ancient nunnery and visit several craft shops.
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