A Journey to Iona: Reflections from the 2024 Pilgrimage
The 2024 pilgrimage to Iona offered participants a journey of faith, reflection, and community. Through simple routines, heartfelt worship, and the breathtaking beauty of Scotland, each traveler found unexpected moments of peace and spiritual renewal. Their stories invite others to explore this transformative experience when the opportunity arises again.
”David and I had always wanted to go to Scotland and this trip looked great. We had to study pilgrimage after signing up but were excited about the possibilities of the Abbey life and seeing some of Scotland. The trip to the Iona Abbey was by plane, train, bus, and two ferries. The weather was nice so the ferries were beautiful. Seeing the Abbey from the ferry was breathtaking. Living in the Abbey for a week was a very simple life, a time of rest, inspiration and learning. Meeting others from around the world that shared your interest and concerns for the world and love of God was wonderful. We ate as a group, helped with housekeeping and the kitchen, learned about each other, we expanded our writing and drawing skills, and experienced moving church services/worship. Most of the music was new to us but we were delighted to learn new hymns and hear them resound from the walls and ceilings of the beautiful large chapel. After leaving Iona the worship in St. Giles in Edinburg was a highlight of the trip. The beautiful Harvest Service was a wonderful start to a new day in Scotland. We are so thankful that we were able to make this trip and thankful for all of the help from our group to make it memorable. Iona will always have a special place in mine and David’s heart. My prayer is that many of you will want to take advantage of this opportunity when it is offered again.”
—Linda Bragg
“When I signed up for the trip to Scotland, I was so excited I didn’t read the details! As time got closer to trip time, I realized it was a Pilgrimage! I had no preconceived ideas about the trip. When we arrived on Iona Island, I am here to tell you it was the most peaceful place I had ever been too! We lived there with roommates, eating mostly vegetarian food three meals a day. We were assigned housekeeping duties to be done daily. We attended very heartfelt services at 9 am & pm daily. The time was so simple and positive you just felt God’s presence with you at all times. I will be forever grateful for my Pilgrimage… “
—Katie Aldis
“The pilgrimage to the Isle of Iona was inspiring. This was experienced in many ways over the 6 days we were there. Many of the "ah-ha" moments came in unexpected moments. There was the Service of Quiet, which for those who know me will think that this would be a challenge. I was not looking forward to being quiet in the Abbey for 20 minutes, however I was really surprised when the person leading worship started talking again after this long pause. I felt refreshed in the pursuit of clearing my head and listening to what God might have for me. I also found it comforting to have a certain routine, but it wasn't the frantic pace I seem to put upon myself. The schedule had space for individual time which I used to walk around to various scenic locations on the island. When this trip comes up again, I will certainly consider attending again along with encouraging others to come along, too.”
—Candy Blackmon