We walked in the steps of Columcille during our pilgrimage to ancient, sacred places in Glencolumcille.
Born in this County Donegal in the 500's he was a "descendant" of Patrick's Christianity.
Columcille blessed the ancient places, the neolithic markers and holy wells.
And now, thousands of years later, Margaret and Marian take us on this sacred pilgrimage.
If we had been here in June 9th, the feast day of Columcille, we could have joined the old ones walking, barefoot, the night before.
The Place of the Knees, the Height of the Cross, St. Columcille's Chapel, St. Columcille's Chair, St. Columcille's Well. We walked between them in community, in silence.
I felt honored to be shown this ancient ritual. I worried about intruding on another culture's sacred places.
And then I realized that this pilgrimage is part of my Christian culture. For I am descended, our church is descended from these Celtic saints who brought Christianity to Ireland and to Scotland.
I am, we are, recipients of the faith of Patrick and Brigid and Columcille and Kevin. Thanks be to God for this gift.
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