An island, very much on the edge of things, becoming central. Nestling in grandeur underneath a massive sky
Island landmarks include:
The famous stone crosses: erected 700 years before the Abbey, maybe the cross ought always to be pre-eminent to the church?
The Nunnery: central to the village, the significant role of women, offering hospitality and engaging with all around.
Martyr’s Bay: the small cove where a group of monks were massacred, even as they offered welcome and hospitality, even simple discipleship can be costly.
The local Cross-Roads: the only place of intersection on the island. A point of encounter, a gathering area and a decision spot.
St. Columba’s Bay: The first missionary, running away from Ireland, and his past, to find a new place. Vocation as leaving behind and taking up. Love as letting go.
The island’s high point: A place to use as a marker, a guide, an opportunity to see where you’ve come from and where you’re going.
The Hermit’s Cell: A place of quiet solitude, withdrawal & focus.
St. Onan’s cemetery chapel: Final resting place, bleak yet hopeful, ordinary yet glorious – innocuous yet 48 Scottish Kings buried outside.
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