Iona Pilgrimage 2023

Iona Pilgrimage

Dates: June 2–11, 2023
Sponsored by: Washington National Cathedral • Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage
Led by: Dr. Terri Lynn Simpson

Pilgrimage is at the heart of the Celtic tradition and there is perhaps no more famous pilgrim than St. Columba, who left the green hills of Ireland for a rugged island off the Scottish coast. In the centuries since he established his monastic community on Iona, the island has been a pilgrimage destination for countless seekers who travel to this thin place in the landscape where heaven and earth seem to meet.

Join us on a pilgrimage to Iona as we listen to the silence of the land, the wisdom of saints, and the stories of our fellow pilgrims. The rhythm of our days begins and ends in prayer with the ecumenical Iona Community in the historic abbey church. Morning sessions invite us to explore the rich history of Celtic spirituality and how we can weave strands of this tradition into our lives. Free time in the afternoon provides the opportunity for you to explore the island on your own or with others.

Follow in Columba’s footsteps and discover how the landscape of this holy island and the wisdom of Celtic spirituality through the ages may deepen your own spiritual path in whatever walk of life you come from and return to.

Cost, Payment & Cancellation

Cost

• Cost: $3770
  Includes: travel from Glasgow Airport to Iona on the day of arrival, double occupancy hotel accommodations in Glasgow and at the St. Columba Hotel for 9 nights, breakfast and dinner (not including beverages) the first day in Glasgow and while on Iona, pilgrimage content, and leadership, and a donation to the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage
• Single rooms are available at additional cost of $500. The number of single rooms is limited.
• Cost does NOT include flight arrangements to and from Glasgow Airport, travel insurance, some meals, and personal expenses

Payment & Cancelation

• Deposit of $800 due upon registration. Includes non-refundable $500 deposit. Once deposit is received, pilgrims must complete the travel-medical form.
• Additional payment of $1000 due on December 1, 2022.
• Full payment due January 23, including single supplement if applicable. Final payment includes $500 donation to the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage to be recognized in calendar year 2022.
• All notice of cancellation must be received in writing by Washington National Cathedral. Up to 130 days before departure the cancellation fee is $750. Thereafter, you will be charged a single room fee (which may be more than the single room supplement based on room availability) if your cancellation forces your roommate into a single room and the following charges apply: 129 – 75 days ~$1000. 74 – 35 days ~ 50% of total trip cost. 34 days to departure ~ 100% trip cost. No refund for any service not used. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.

Registration & Forms

Downloadable forms:

• Paper registration form
• Travel-medical form
• Full itinerary and details

About the Leader

Dr. Terri Lynn Simpson is a poet, retreat leader, and the coordinator for the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage at Washington National Cathedral. Celtic spirituality is her path, writing is her practice, and inviting people into thin places where they may share their stories and experience the presence of the Holy is her work. In addition to having a graduate degree in theology and a doctorate in Spirituality and Story, Terri is a long-time student of Celtic spirituality. Grounded in the three-fold practices of prayer, pilgrimage, and poetry, she weaves strands of these Celtic influences into the retreats, pilgrimages, and workshops she leads.