Pilgrimage - A Conclusion
By examining the historical development of Celtic Christianity, from its zenith through post-reformation demise, Victorian-era romantic resurgence of all things Celtic, and post-modern celtic-style adaptations, we can better understand the meaning and relationship between the traditional Celtic Christian understanding of pilgrimage and the contemporary celtic-style pilgrimage movement in Britain. Although it is both impossible, and in many ways undesirable to turn the clock back, there are many Christian values and practises that we can recover from the Celtic era and adapt for the churches in this post-Christendom period.
Values such as Christian action at the heart of the community, hospitality for all, equality, a sense of the sacred, silence and solitude, good stewardship of this world created by God, are of great benefit not only to the Church but also to our society. Practises such as having a ‘rhythm’ of prayer, a rule of life, awareness of both the natural and supernatural presence of the Holy Trinity, the importance of positive role models (the saints). Contemplative and meditative type of prayer, penitential and sacramental practices, the recognition of both the ‘thin’ and the ‘holy’ places, and the value of pilgrimage and retreats, may help people develop a more vibrant, relevant and profound spiritual life.
The intended role of the Church has always been that of Christ-like service to everyone, active and effective at the heart and the extremities of the community, and thereby identified with addressing the problems of the age. The Celtic ethos that everyone is co-responsible for God’s creation, maintaining a healthy and safe environment, is particularly relevant in these times of climate change, and the church needs to lead by example.
In addition to the spiritual benefits of pilgrimage, there are currently opportunities for the Church to work in partnership with governments, local communities, commerce, the hospitality industry, and the voluntary sector as pilgrimage routes are re-established around our country. This may lead to practical temporal advantages in relation to health improvements (both physical and psychological); increased financial contributions to local and national economies; the regeneration of communities, particularly in rural areas; increasing employment opportunities; the recovery of national identity and giving purpose to life. It is encouraging to note that the Scottish Churches are already committed and involved in developing these opportunities.[1] Detailed dialogue between the Scottish government, regional authorities, and the Scottish Pilgrimage Routes Forum is ongoing on a regular basis.
The significant core values found woven the roots of Celtic Christianity have resulted in a significant growth of the celtic-style pilgrimage movement that continues unabated in the 21st century. It provides for a society that is hungry for both spiritual values and an experience of God, with an opportunity to set apart places as sacred, and the instinct to link physical and spiritual journeying. Equally important for all Christians in this post-modern era is that this celtic-style pilgrimage movement provides an effective means of evangelism and spiritual growth to be actively embraced, encouraged and experienced by everyone.
[1] http://www.acts-scotland.org/images/stories/pdf/together/february%202011%20.pdf
Values such as Christian action at the heart of the community, hospitality for all, equality, a sense of the sacred, silence and solitude, good stewardship of this world created by God, are of great benefit not only to the Church but also to our society. Practises such as having a ‘rhythm’ of prayer, a rule of life, awareness of both the natural and supernatural presence of the Holy Trinity, the importance of positive role models (the saints). Contemplative and meditative type of prayer, penitential and sacramental practices, the recognition of both the ‘thin’ and the ‘holy’ places, and the value of pilgrimage and retreats, may help people develop a more vibrant, relevant and profound spiritual life.
The intended role of the Church has always been that of Christ-like service to everyone, active and effective at the heart and the extremities of the community, and thereby identified with addressing the problems of the age. The Celtic ethos that everyone is co-responsible for God’s creation, maintaining a healthy and safe environment, is particularly relevant in these times of climate change, and the church needs to lead by example.
In addition to the spiritual benefits of pilgrimage, there are currently opportunities for the Church to work in partnership with governments, local communities, commerce, the hospitality industry, and the voluntary sector as pilgrimage routes are re-established around our country. This may lead to practical temporal advantages in relation to health improvements (both physical and psychological); increased financial contributions to local and national economies; the regeneration of communities, particularly in rural areas; increasing employment opportunities; the recovery of national identity and giving purpose to life. It is encouraging to note that the Scottish Churches are already committed and involved in developing these opportunities.[1] Detailed dialogue between the Scottish government, regional authorities, and the Scottish Pilgrimage Routes Forum is ongoing on a regular basis.
The significant core values found woven the roots of Celtic Christianity have resulted in a significant growth of the celtic-style pilgrimage movement that continues unabated in the 21st century. It provides for a society that is hungry for both spiritual values and an experience of God, with an opportunity to set apart places as sacred, and the instinct to link physical and spiritual journeying. Equally important for all Christians in this post-modern era is that this celtic-style pilgrimage movement provides an effective means of evangelism and spiritual growth to be actively embraced, encouraged and experienced by everyone.
[1] http://www.acts-scotland.org/images/stories/pdf/together/february%202011%20.pdf