Youth pilgrimage to Isle of Iona

Prayer in St Michael's Chapel

Dear God,
I am happy with my life and all the things I see.
I thank you for this world.
Amen

This little prayer was written by one of the 28 children (11s-15s) just back from pilgrimage to the holy island of Iona. This annual event is part of the youth work in the Argyll & the Isles diocese organised by Denise Roberts, Diocesan Youth Officer, and members of Craig Lodge Community. "We love going on pilgrimage to this holy place", explains Denise, "youth work in a very rural diocese like ours presents many challenges but this event is becoming more and more popular and brings children together from different parts of the diocese."

The pilgrimage is a happy combination of fun and prayer; camping by the sea, the challenge of walking and taking turns to carry the Scottish Youth Cross, games and campfire songs, all interwoven with prayer and catechesis.

Fr Ross Crichton, from the island of Benbecula, accompanied the pilgrims and this year's event included a Eucharistic procession to Iona Abbey finishing with a time of Adoration in the St Michaels' chapel. A first since Reformation times perhaps.

The little island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland in the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles has been a place of pilgrimage since St Columba established a monastery there in 6th century. From there St Columba set out on journeys that brought the good news of Christ to the people of Scotland and beyond. Viking raids and the ruination unleashed by the Reformation destroyed the monastic community. However thanks to the fame of its founder, St Columba, the island has always been revered as a holy place. In the 1930s the Abbey was rebuilt by the Church of Scotland minister, Lord McLeod, and is now home to an ecumenical community. In 1991 a Catholic Prayer House was established and Mass began to be celebrated regularly on the island once again.

More information on Craig Lodge youth work at: www.craiglodge.org