A guest post from Cathy Campanaro

I have wanted to travel to Iona for a long time, and when I saw this pilgrimage advertised, weaving the connections of two organizations that are near and dear to my heart, I knew that I had to go!  Kirkridge and Columcille have long been places of community, connection and healing for me.  Over the years I have attended retreats at Kirkridge and drummed at Columcille observances.

I didn’t want to have any expectations and left my heart open to the mystery of what spirit would reveal to me.  Each day was an adventure.  With Denise and Nick, we visited sacred sites, shared holy songs and were touched by divine readings.  They attended to each of our needs and I felt deeply cared for.

On Dun I at Bridget’s Well, Denise led us in a shamanic drumming ceremony.  There I had a deep release of emotion and a reclamation and acceptance of my true wild nature.  This pilgrimage gave me the time and space to let go of an old wound and retrieve a part of me that I had long kept buried.  

And the bonus of this trip was the gift of my fellow pilgrims!!!  We shared such caring, compassion, joy, and creativity.  We formed an amazing community that I am sure could solve the world’s ills if given enough time together!

I will definitely return to Iona and my deepest wish is that it will be with Denise and Nick and the pilgrims from this journey.