Information Archives - Progressive Pilgrimage

What is Celtic Christianity?

Celtic Christianity dates back to the early Middle Ages, with Saint Patrick being credited as the main figure who brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. The new religion was embraced by the Irish and slowly spread to other parts of the Celtic world, such as Scotland and Wales. During this time, monastic communities were established, and these communities became centers of learning, art, and spirituality.

Celtic Christianity was a form of Christianity that was somewhat distinct from the dominant Roman Catholic Church, with its own unique practices and traditions. For example, the Celts placed a greater emphasis on the role of the Church in everyday life and on the importance of nature. This led to the development of a rich spiritual and cultural heritage, which was reflected in the illuminated manuscripts, metalwork, and other artifacts produced during this time.

Celtic Spirituality places great importance on the idea of “thin places,” where the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be at its thinnest. Monastic communities played a central role in Celtic Spirituality, serving as places of retreat, study, and worship.

This spiritual tradition is also known for its focus on the divine in everyday life, rather than just in formal religious rituals. This led to the development of a rich tradition of storytelling, poetry, and art that celebrated the spiritual aspects of nature, the heroism of saints, and the mysteries of the divine.

Despite attempts by the Roman Catholic Church to suppress Celtic Christianity, it persisted and even experienced a resurgence during the 11th and 12th centuries. However, the arrival of the Norman conquerors in Ireland and the subsequent English colonization of Ireland and Scotland led to the eventual decline of Celtic Christianity. Nevertheless, its influence can still be seen today in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.

Pilgrimage Sites in the Holy Land

The Holy Land is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and there are many important sites that are considered to be significant for different reasons. Some of the most notable pilgrimage sites in the Holy Land include:

Jerusalem: This ancient city is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world. It is home to many significant religious sites, including the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Via Dolorosa.
Bethlehem: This city is considered to be the birthplace of Jesus, and is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians. The Church of the Nativity, which marks the spot where Jesus was born, is one of the oldest continuously used churches in the world.
Nazareth: This city is considered to be the childhood home of Jesus, and is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians. The Church of the Annunciation, which marks the spot where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, is one of the largest churches in the world.
The Sea of Galilee: This lake is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Holy Land. It is here that Jesus performed many of his miracles, and it is also the site of several important churches, including the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes.
The Jordan River: This river is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Holy Land. It is here that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and it is also the site of several important pilgrimage centers, including the Chapel of John the Baptist and the Church of the Jordan.
The Mount of Olives: This hill is located in Jerusalem, and is considered to be an important pilgrimage destination for Christians. It is here that Jesus prayed before his arrest and crucifixion, and it is also the site of several important churches, including the Church of the Ascension.
Temple Mount: The Temple Mount is an important religious and historical site located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is the site of the two Jewish temples that stood on the site in ancient times, the first built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE and the second, known as the Second Temple, built in 515 BCE. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.
Western Wall: The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is an ancient retaining wall located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is the last remaining part of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The Western Wall is considered to be the holiest site in the world for Jews, who have been praying at the wall for centuries.
Via Dolorosa: The Via Dolorosa is a street in the Old City of Jerusalem that is believed to be the route that Jesus took on the way to his crucifixion. The name “Via Dolorosa” means “Way of Suffering” in Latin. The route begins at the Antonia Fortress and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus is believed to have been buried.

What are “Thin Places”?

“Thin places” is a term used in spiritual and religious contexts to refer to locations or experiences where the boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realm is thought to be particularly thin or permeable. This concept is found in many different cultures and traditions and is often associated with feelings of awe, wonder, and a sense of the divine.

Thin places are often considered to be sacred spaces, such as churches, shrines, or natural landscapes, where people have had experiences of heightened spiritual awareness or a deeper connection to something greater than themselves. They may also be locations where miracles or other supernatural events have been reported.

In some spiritual traditions, thin places are believed to be places where the veil between this world and the next is lifted, and people can experience a sense of unity with the divine. This can result in a profound sense of peace, joy, and a deep connection to something greater than oneself.

People visit thin places for a variety of reasons, including seeking spiritual renewal, seeking a deeper understanding of their own spirituality, or simply seeking a sense of peace and calm in their lives.

Thin Places in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland

Iona: A small island located off the west coast of Scotland, Iona is considered to be one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers in Scotland. It was the site of an early Christian monastery founded by Saint Columba in the 6th century, and is now a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper connection to the divine.
Glendalough: This early Christian monastic settlement located in County Wicklow is considered to be one of the most important spiritual centers in Ireland. It is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper connection to the divine.
Croagh Patrick: This mountain in County Mayo is a place of pilgrimage for Irish Catholics, who come to honor Saint Patrick and to seek spiritual renewal. The climb to the summit of the mountain is considered to be a spiritual journey, and many people make the pilgrimage as part of their faith journey.
Skellig Michael: This remote island off the coast of County Kerry is the site of an early Christian monastery, and is considered to be one of the most spiritual places in Ireland. Visitors come to experience its rugged beauty and to connect with Ireland’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Navan Fort: This ancient earthwork located near Armagh is considered to be one of the most spiritual places in Northern Ireland. It was the site of an important royal palace in ancient times, and is now a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper connection to the divine.
The Giant’s Causeway: This natural wonder located on the north coast of Northern Ireland is considered to be one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in the region. Many people visit the causeway to experience its natural beauty and to connect with the divine.
Corrymeela: Corrymeela is a community and peace and reconciliation center located in Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1965, in the midst of the conflict in Northern Ireland, with the aim of promoting peace, reconciliation, and social justice in the region.

Possible Pilgrimage Destinations in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Ireland has many pilgrimage destinations that are significant for both religious and cultural reasons. Some of the most well-known pilgrimage destinations in Ireland include:

Croagh Patrick: A mountain in County Mayo that is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Ireland and is associated with Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make the trek to the top of the mountain to offer prayers and engage in a traditional pattern of pilgrimage.
Lough Derg: A lake in County Donegal that is associated with Saint Patrick and is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Ireland. Pilgrims to Lough Derg participate in a three-day retreat that involves fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Saint Kevin’s Monastery: A monastic settlement located in County Wicklow that is associated with Saint Kevin, a 6th-century Irish saint. The site includes a well that is believed to have healing properties, and many pilgrims visit to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Saint Brigid’s Well: A well located in County Kildare that is associated with Saint Brigid, one of the patron saints of Ireland. The well is considered to be a sacred site, and many pilgrims visit to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Armagh: The city of Armagh is considered to be the spiritual capital of Northern Ireland, and it is home to two important pilgrimage destinations: the Hill of Armagh, which is associated with Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the Cathedral Church of Saint Patrick, which is dedicated to the saint.
Navan Fort/Emain Macha: Navan Fort, also known as Emain Macha, is a historic site located in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is considered to be one of the most important prehistoric sites in Ireland and is believed to have been a royal palace and a ceremonial center of the ancient Ulaid people.
Drumcree: A hill near Portadown, County Armagh that is associated with Saint Patrick and is the site of an annual pilgrimage. Pilgrims visit the site to offer prayers and engage in traditional patterns of devotion.
Glendalough: Glendalough is a valley and a settlement in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is famous for its early medieval monastic settlement, which was founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century and was one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland for several centuries.
Inis Mor: Inis Mor is the largest of the Aran Islands and is famous for its prehistoric and early Christian monuments, including the remains of stone forts, standing stones, and early Christian churches. These monuments are considered to be among the finest examples of early Irish archaeology and offer a unique glimpse into Ireland’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

These pilgrimage destinations offer a unique opportunity for those who visit to connect with Ireland’s rich religious and cultural heritage, to deepen their spiritual connections, and to experience the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of the country.

The History of Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. For many religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, the Holy Land is considered to be a sacred place and visiting it is seen as a spiritual journey.

For Christians, pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been a popular practice since the 4th century, when Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and helped to establish the religion as the dominant faith of the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land reached its peak, with thousands of people making the journey each year, often under dangerous and difficult conditions. Despite the challenges, the desire to visit the sites associated with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection remained strong, and the tradition of pilgrimage continued.

For Jews, pilgrimage to the Holy Land has a long history, and the desire to return to the land of their ancestors has been a central part of the Jewish faith for centuries. Many Jews have made the journey to Israel throughout history, both as individuals and as part of organized groups, to pray at the Western Wall and other sacred sites.

For Muslims, the Holy Land has significant religious importance as the birthplace of several important figures in Islam, including the Prophet Muhammad and the Caliphs who succeeded him. The city of Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia, is considered to be the holiest city in Islam and is the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is required of all Muslims who are able to make the journey.

History of Protestant Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

The history of Protestant pilgrimage to the Holy Land can be traced back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, which marked a major turning point in the history of Christianity. During this time, Protestant leaders such as Martin Luther and John Calvin rejected many of the traditions and practices of the Catholic Church, including the practice of pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

In the centuries that followed, many Protestant denominations discouraged pilgrimage to the Holy Land, viewing it as a Catholic practice that was not in line with the teachings of the Reformation. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, as Protestantism became more diverse and inclusive, a renewed interest in pilgrimage to the Holy Land emerged, and organized Protestant pilgrimages to the region began to be offered.

Today, Protestant pilgrimages to the Holy Land are a popular and meaningful practice for many Protestant Christians. They provide an opportunity to visit the sites that are associated with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and to experience the rich religious and cultural heritage of the region. These trips continue to be life-changing experiences for many who participate.