Our Trip to Iona

I will be away for a spiritual retreat in Iona. This is organised by a close friend from SJSM. A clergy is needed to lead the daily Communion and this was why I was

approached to join about two years ago. Our group of 18 will first convene in the historic city of Edinburgh. The final leg of our journey requires an early morning ferry, a coach ride across the Isle of Mull from Craignure to Fionnphort, and one last short ferry crossing before we finally arrive on the shores of Iona on May 2nd.

The true heart of this trip takes place on the Isle of Iona, a small, peaceful island off the western coast of Scotland. For an entire week, our group will be hosted at Bishop’s House, a dedicated place of retreat. Here, we will settle into a beautiful, intentional rhythm of life.

So, why Iona? In AD 563, Columba left Ireland with a small band of monks and founded a monastery on Iona. From here, he evangelised much of pagan Scotland. Iona became a missionary base, somewhat like an early Celtic “Antioch”—sending monks, teachers, and church planters across Scotland and northern England. Through the centuries, Iona is regarded as a place for prayer and contemplation as one also connects with her rich spiritual history.

The Celtic tradition has a deep influence in the English (or Anglican) Church, roots which we also share in Singapore. One blessing of understanding the roots of our church tradition is to have a better grasp of the nature of the Church which is not simply tied to prevailing modern cultural trends. It will also enable us to have better perspective of issues facing the church today. Knowing our history simply give as a better long term view, from our deep past to the future.

Our daily schedule is deeply contemplative, designed to help us slow down and listen to God. Every morning will begin with a group devotion centered on a daily theme, followed immediately by communion in the Chapel of St Columba, using the Scottish Liturgy of 1982. Following breakfast, our time will alternate between communal activities and extended periods of personal quiet. Our afternoons are strictly protected for personal walks, contemplation, rest, and sacred conversations, providing ample space for spiritual direction and individual prayer.

In our worship at the Chapel of St Columba, we are reminded that our faith is

communal; all our services are open to the general public, and we will actively welcome any island visitors to join us in worship. Furthermore, during our Sunday services, I will be giving a short homily. Our days will conclude by gathering for group reflection to share what we have experienced, followed by the evening office of Compline or Evensong. We also have the special opportunity to attend evening worship at the historic Iona Abbey.

We will engage the physical landscape of the island as part of our worship. We have scheduled specific Pilgrim Walks to meaningful sites, including Columba Bay, Dun I, and the White Strands of the Monk beach. Perhaps the most profound part of our itinerary will occur on Thursday, May 7th, which we have set aside entirely as a Day of Personal Silence, Solitude, and Contemplation. On this day, we will observe a strict silence from breakfast until just before dinner, allowing for an uninterrupted communion with the Lord.

Before we leave the islands, we will also take time to marvel at God's creation with a wildlife tour to the nearby Staffa and Treshnish Isles, followed by a final group sharing session to consolidate our experiences.

Jen and myself will be traveling to London to be with our daughter Sarah before

departing for home on May 13th.

This pilgrimage is more than just a tour; it is an intentional withdrawal to draw closer to God. Please pray for our group—for safe travels, for deep fellowship, and most importantly, that our hearts would be completely open to whatever God wishes to speak to us in the silence. Among my many thoughts are also the life and ministry at MPCC. Perhaps one day I can help organise or lead a retreat like this for MPCC. I look forward to returning to Singapore and sharing the fruits of this journey with all of you.