Our Vision

Tricia Brennan and Jenny Rankin, co-leaders 

Iona is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, part of the Inner Hebrides, and an ancient pilgrimage site, where thousands have sojourned over the centuries.   We invite you to experience this island for yourself, and allow it to become your teacher, as it has become ours.   It is our privilege and joy to share what we have learned about the landscape, history and spiritual power of this place with those who will join us there.

Iona is imbued with stories: the story of Columba, founder of the Christian monastic community in 563, the story of the early Celts who found God in sea, sky and trees, the stories of holy wells, burial grounds, noted beaches, architectural ruins, and village life, the story of the current ecumenical Iona faith community- and the stories of every pilgrim who has ever come to its shores, seeking rest, transformation, and peace.

Our vision is to offer people a chance to find their own story amidst the stories, beauty, and soulfulness of Iona. We aim to foster a learning community in which each person is encouraged to share insights and talents with the group. The days are a mix of structured sessions and activities with good chunks of free time; time to play and time to pray, time to be with others and time to be alone.

The island is small, largely without cars, and so a quiet place, good for walking and exploration.  Drenched in silence, you can walk for miles on small roads or over green fields.  Birds call, sheep graze, and wind blows in from the ocean, an ever-present reminder of Spirit.

We hope that each person finds what they need on Iona, and leaves gladdened.  If your spirit yearns to spend time in green and silence, with blue water all around, and good companions at the end of the day with whom to share the day’s “good news,” this island may be calling to you.