ReverendMother just returned from a pilgrimage to Iona, the “cradle of Scottish Christianity.” She says, “It has provided much food for thought, to say the least, and so, to keep the pilgrim mojo going:”

1. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? (however you choose to define the term) Share a bit about it. If not, what’s your reaction to the idea of pilgrimage?

No, I haven’t been on one, but I would love to go.

2. Share a place you’ve always wanted to visit on pilgrimage.

I’ve always wanted to go to Avila because of St. Teresa, Kildare because of St Brigid, and Iona.

3. What would you make sure to pack in your suitcase or backpack to make the pilgrimage more meaningful? Or does “stuff” just distract from the experience?

Bible, journal, Book of Common Prayer, and may be one or two books about Teresa and Brigid.

4. If you could make a pilgrimage with someone (living, dead or fictional) as your guide, who would it be? (I’m about thisclose to saying “Besides Jesus.” Yes, we all know he was indispensable to those chaps heading to Emmaus, but it’s too easy an answer)

Obviously Teresa and Brigid at Avila and Kildare, and I think I’d just want to wander around Iona alone taking it all in.

5. Eventually the pilgrim must return home, but can you suggest any strategies for keeping that deep “mountaintop” perspective in the midst of everyday life? (don’t mind me, I’ll be over here taking notes)

Pictures and any writings I did. I’d make sure to write lots of poems then combine the pictures with the poems to hang around the condo.

The picture is St. Brigid of Ireland by Richard Kent.