Finding Jesus in the Thin Places

~a pilgrimage for the contemplative soul

APRIL 11-16, 2025

Isle of Iona, Scotland

Have you sensed a compelling inkling that there is still more to discover within your relationship with Jesus?

Encountering a place or a moment that envelops you with a sense of proximity to God is often referred to as a thin place by the ancient Celts. If you have ever found yourself in serene, contemplative environments, perhaps you've sensed a fleeting touch of this beauty. These remarkable spiritual moments help us touch mystery and revive our faith—a flame kept alive by sanctuaries like Iona.

George Macleod, founder of the Iona Community, described Iona as:

“a thin place where only tissue paper separates the material from the spiritual.”

A pilgrimage is a time set aside, a sabbatical from the hurry, that allows the pilgrim to brush against the veils of mystery and rekindle a dormant aspect of our faith—mystery.

  • Rhythm

    We'll thoughtfully curate the daily schedule to include a mix of spiritual activities, engaging group sessions, in-house chapel services, meaningful pilgrimages, and communal meals shared together. Throughout your stay, you can look forward to attending services at the historic Iona Abbey, a truly surreal experience. Deepening the meaning of it all, your pilgrimage will take place during Holy Week, the most sacred time on the Church Calendar.

  • Space

    Rest assured, ample opportunities for personal reflection and relaxation will be incorporated into each day. Explore the surrounding beauty of Iona with leisurely strolls, either solo or in the company of others, leading you to the picturesque Iona Abbey or stunning beaches. Enjoy moments of tranquility within the Bishop’s House library, perusing local craft stores, and indulging in afternoon tea at the charming Argyle Hotel or St. Columba.

  • Wonder

    Iona has been offering wonder to pilgrims since the 500’s. The ancient essence of this holy site draws you in. It cleanses the lens through which you see your life and faith, offering fresh eyes with which to grow and learn and deepen your friendship with Jesus. Whether it’s a compline service with the Iona Community at the Abbey or a hike to St. Brigid’s Well, exploring Martyr’s Beach or a group pilgrimage to St. Columba’s Bay, you will step back in time and find inspiration from the pilgrims who created a beaten path for us.

Join us on a transformative journey to the serene Isle of Iona to nurture your faith—heart, body, and soul.

Our $2400 all-inclusive package*, ensures a rejuvenating experience with exclusive inclusions:

  • Four pre-pilgrimage group Zoom calls: Get to know the women who will encounter Iona with you before you arrive! Learn about the Isle, the Abbey, St. Columba, and why Iona has drawn pilgrims since the 500’s. This pilgrimage is designed for the contemplative soul who loves to steep in spiritual practices and rhythms. We will meet ahead to help you learn these practices and prepare for pilgrimage.

  • Advance Reading and Spiritual Practice Suggestions: Immerse yourself in spiritual formation and mental preparation with curated materials and practices to enhance your experience. Begin to engage in spiritual practices we will use to guide our time together and our private time with God while on pilgrimage.

  • Transportation from Glasgow to the Isle of Iona and back: Travel hassle-free as we provide comfortable transportation from Glasgow to the enchanting Isle of Iona and back.

  • Individual Room Lodging: Enjoy your personal space and unwind in tranquility with individual room lodging at The Bishop's House for 5 nights.

  • 3 Daily Meals: Nourish your body with delicious and nutritious meals provided three times a day, allowing you to focus on your spiritual journey without any distractions.

  • Guided Activities: Delve into a variety of guided activities throughout the week, including walks to explore the island's natural beauty, rejuvenating yoga sessions, creative art-making opportunities, reflective journaling, calming meditation practices, and uplifting Chapel services.

Additional details for the pilgrimage are on the Registration Form. You can access the form by clicking I’M READY, at the bottom of the page.

*$2400 price available until June 1, 2024.

  • We will be staying at the historic Bishop’s House. Built in 1894, Bishop's House on Iona is a retreat house reserved for our group exclusively.

    It is situated close to Iona Abbey and looks out to the tranquil setting of the Sound of Iona. The beautiful St. Columba's Chapel is situated right in the heart of the house.

  • Bishop's House has a fine tradition of a warm welcome, complemented by good wholesome home cooking. Since the Bishop’s House is a communal retreat house, guests are asked to help lay and clear away meals and do a couple of small things to help the housekeeping team on your day of departure.

    The Eucharist (holy communion) and Compline (evening prayer) is celebrated daily, and all are welcome to attend these services.

  • Bishop’s House is designed to offer a more ecumenical experience complete with communal lodging, designed to offer private spaces but within larger communal spaces.

    Private spaces at the Bishop's House include your lodging space, which features a convenient sink and mirror, allowing you to freshen up easily within the privacy of your own space (whether equipped with a single bed or two twin beds).

  • Guests share spaces such as the library, the dining room, and the chapel.

    Bathrooms (toilet/shower), though not en suite, are strategically located within close proximity to all rooms.

    Our group has exclusive use of The Bishop's House during our stay.

Meet Your Pilgrimage Guides

  • Amy Brady

    Amy has been companioning women on their spiritual formation journey for over 30 years. She is a professional speaker, a Bible study author, a yoga instructor, and a trauma specialist. Through the hardest season of her life, she discovered the ancient practice of Spiritual Direction, and it is here she has made her home, as a Spiritual Director herself, as well as a Guide for The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She gratefully companions other women in discerning and being formed by the ways Jesus comes for them.  All of her offerings are found at Evergreen Soul Wellness.

    Several years ago, accompanied by a dear friend, she made her first pilgrimage to Iona and the moments she experienced have never left her. Before she left the Isle she hoped to one day lead other women on pilgrimage to this ancient and mystical Isle where the very ground seems to be filled to the full with the fullness of God. 

    Amy has been married forever to her high school sweetheart John, is called Mom by five of her favorite people, and called Mimi by two of the biggest joys of her life. In reality she resides in Orlando, Florida but in her head she lives in London, sipping on tea and planning her next travel adventure.

  • Emma Timms

    Emma Timms lives on the east coast of Scotland with her husband Jon and 4 children.

    She is a wellness coach, retreat guide and movement teacher who runs an online community of contemplative practice and movement called The Prayer Orchard.

    A yoga and pilates instructor herself, Emma is a leader in The Yoga Abbey, contributing content and leading a small group of yoga teachers in training. An aspiring author, Emma is writing a book on Spiritual Rhythms for a woman’s life. She is a deep well of love and brings a fresh perspective to an embodied faith.

    She and her husband also lead a 24/7 Prayer community called Discovery Church and are active members in a global monastic order called The order of the mustard seed.

    She is a curious soul who comes alive out in wild spaces and loves to swim in the ocean and hike out in nature.

  • Krista Fleming

    Krista Fleming loves turning dreams into reality. She wears many hats with grace and passion: owner of an event planning company, serving as a JourneyCircle™ facilitator, Moon Circles Guide, yoga instructor, and soon to be a Creative Depth Coach.

    Outside of her professional pursuits, Krista finds hope and inspiration in her connection to the Beloved and is often found journaling, gardening, and painting.

    She loves spending time with her two adult children and hiking around Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and golden retriever.

    Krista's life embodies authenticity, joy, and the beauty of meaningful experiences.

    Note from Amy: Krista is our travel guru for this pilgrimage, something I am deeply grateful for!

ARE YOU READY?

We are thrilled you are joining us on this pilgrimage to the ancient Isle of Iona!

We have a very limited amount of spaces left. Our all -inclusive package is $2400. The price will increase after June 1, 2024.

Clicking the I’M READY button below will take you to a form with extensive details about the trip, your accommodation options, your in-country travel, optional add-on sessions with one of our retreat leaders, and more.

If you don’t feel ready to register at this time, you may opt to remain on the Interest List by clicking here. Just know this will not reserve a spot for you if you decide at a later time to register. Registrations are first come, first served.

On the registration form you will be prompted to make your $400 non-refundable deposit and look at our payment plan for the remainder of your amount.

We are ready! Complete with all the joy and butterflies and longing that you are, so let’s get started.