The Active Contemplative

Books

"Be Thou My Vision"

Celtic Spirituality in Ireland and Iona

March 26-April 7, 2009
13 Days

Hosted by: Dr. Bradley Holt
Christos Center

I invite you to join me and other friends of Christos Center on another "traveling retreat." Our pilgrimage last year was warmly received, but the pilgrims wanted even more quiet time than was possible on our journey to Spain and Italy. This time we will have more time for simply enjoying the presence of God, in a setting where women and men of the fifth to the tenth centuries engaged that Presence with all of their souls. The natural environment of stone, water and greenness can lead to a vivid encounter with the God of creation and the God of the cross. Patrick, Brigit, and Columba, the three prime saints of Ireland, will be our mentors as we encounter the Triune God in their writings and prayers, in the natural setting, and in the "thin place" of Iona. It is going to be an exciting time both alone and in community as we discover our God anew on these rocky islands!

Thank you!
Brad

Pilgrimage Mission Statement

We travel together in order to grow in faith toward

God and in love toward all people, by pondering the

lives of holy and wise ones who went before us in

the places where they grew and where they shared

with us the way of the cross and the glory of

God through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.

Brad Holt is an ELCA pastor and Professor of Religion at Augsburg College. He has extensive experience with travel in the world, having visited more than 25 countries; he has led groups of students and adults to Africa, Europe, and Asia, and led retreats near the Twin Cities. On his visits to Ireland and Iona, he has come to love Celtic spirituality. His most recent publication is the Revised Edition of Thirsty for God: A Brief History of Christian Spirituality. (fortress, 2005) He is a frequent lecturer at the "Tending the Holy" program, spiritual director preparation at Christos Center, and was a student in that course 2002-2004.

For more information, contact:

Group Travel Directors
2000 West 98th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55431-2593
tel: 952-811-7811 or 800-747-2255
fax: 952-881-6276
e-mail: groups@gtd.org
www.gtd.org

Dr. Brad Holt
e-mail: holtb@augsburg.edu