The island of Iona has long been a place of refuge for pilgrims and wanderers alike. Known as a spiritual “thin place,” Iona welcomes you in with whispers and shouts. Iona, Scotland, a Hebridean island known throughout the world as a celtic “thin place,” a place where the veil between heaven and earth is thin, is home to the Iona Community. Pilgrims worship in the Iona Abbey morning and evening, and spend the remainder of the day in unprogrammed times of rest, walking, and reflection.

Now, on that same day, two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them. -Luke 24:13b-15a

Pilgrimage is an intentional journey from the pilgrim’s context to a place of religious significance to promote spiritual growth or transformation. Pilgrimage happens in the process. It is bringing intention to where you are and receiving the grace of walking and talking.