Lindisfarne: The Cradle of Celtic Christianity
Saturday 31st August 2024Today we celebrate the feast of St Aidan and the Saints of Lindisfarne by reflecting on the remarkable legacy of this beautiful place of pilgrimage.
This picturesque island off the coast of Northumberland is steeped in fascinating faith history, becoming a landmark of Celtic Christianity, and a must-visit destination for pilgrims from far and wide.
Next year, we are delighted to be making our own diocesan pilgrimage to this beautiful place of prayer, in celebration of the Pilgrims of Hope Year of Jubilee.
Taking place between 15-17 May, our pilgrimage will be led by Bishop John, who was assigned the Titular See of Lindisfarne upon his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Westminster in 2006.
In this Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Year of Jubilee, Bishop John reflects on this remarkable place and how its unique characteristics provide the perfect backdrop for peaceful prayer.
He said: “I think that, for most people, there is probably a very reasonable assumption that prayer is best achieved, or more easily achieved, in a place of silence. One of the great qualities and beauties of Lindisfarne is the silence.
“Take yourself away from the village, even on the busiest of summer days when the tide has been gracious and crowds of day visitors and pilgrims are filling the little lanes of the village, and after even a few hundred yards it is possible to be alone and immersed in silence.”
Throughout this Year of Prayer, we have explored a number of different ways of praying, from traditional prayers such as the Our Father, to Ignatian Spirituality, praying with scripture, and more.
But on today’s feast, in preparation for our diocesan pilgrimage next year, Bishop John reminds us of the power of praying in silence.
He said: “Like most people I know, I could not claim to have a rich and deep prayer life. That is something that I have pursued since my teenage years, with moments of greater and lesser success.
“I think that, for most people there is probably a very reasonable assumption that prayer is best achieved, or more easily achieved, in a place of silence, and one of the great qualities and beauties of Lindisfarne is the silence.
“In these moments, this place reminds me of the centuries of prayer by the Celtic monks who inhabited this little tidal island and made it the cradle of Christianity.”
The impressive history of this tiny island sends an important message to each one of us about the powerful impact of quiet, private prayer; a seed which, if nurtured with patience and persistence, can grow into a profound display of Christian mission.
Bishop John explained: “There’s a great tradition in Celtic spirituality of establishing the Church, growing in that sense of faith and prayer and knowledge of God and the going on in mission.
“And I think that is a very good recipe for all of us as Christians that we need to start by trying to grow in that sense of faith and prayer for ourselves in order that we may be more effectively missionary disciples.”
As we prepare for our pilgrimage next year, we invite you to begin this journey of prayer on today’s feast by following in the footsteps of those great Celtic saints in nurturing that practice of quiet prayer to better hear and understand God’s unique mission for us.
Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne
Next year, we are delighted to be organising a special pilgrimage to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, in celebration of the 2025 Year of Jubilee. To find out more and register for our pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, Ripon, and Durham, please email pilgrimage@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
We are also thrilled to be offering a special pilgrimage for under 16s, organised by our Youth Ministry Team between 20th and 22nd June. To find out more or register your interest, please click here.
During the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee taking place next year, we will be organising a number of pilgrimages, both at home and overseas – with some on our very doorstep.
To find out more about all of our pilgrimages in the jubilee year, please click here.
Tagged | Bishop John | Jubilee 2025 | Pilgrimage
