A Community of Faith Finding Ways to Live
Peregrinatio |
Long ago, some monks boarded a small coracle to go on a journey. On this particular day, the wind and the waves were fierce, so that no matter how hard they rowed, the Irish sea beat them back to the shore. Undaunted, the three monks tried again the next day, but the wind and waves pushed them back. On the third day, the monks decided to try something different. Rather than fighting the elements, they brought their oars into the boat allowing the sea to take them where it wanted.
It worked. The monks sailed for days before arriving at a distant shore. After walking for some time they arrived at a castle, where King Alfred invited them in for a meal. He asked what they were doing so far from home. They replied, "We stole away because we wanted for the love of God to be on a pilgrimage; we cared not where." I'm pastor Kelly Pigott, and I heard this story while leading one one of my many pilgrimages to Ireland. It has become a central idea of my faith and my vision for the church. The narrative is attached to an idea known as the "peregrinatio," where one leaves the comforts of home to go on a journey of faith--to discover oneself, to deepen a love for God in creation, and to make life-long friends. If this resonates with you, come join us! |