Study Pilgrimage
of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Northern Ireland May 24 - June 5, 2008
Study Pilgrimages offer an opportunity to look at issues of importance in our individual and collective lives as we discern what it means to live in global consciousness, respecting the dignity and worth of all life. Our theme this year is Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
Whether we speak of war between countries, tensions within communities, or conflict that exists within families, all weaken us in body, mind and spirit. As long as we blame each other for our problems, we cannot heal our relationships or ourselves.
The Gospel message of reconciliation calls for us to drop our differences and make things right between ourselves and those we blame or hold in judgment. That requires forgiveness, a willingness to let go of the story of the past, to let go of our desire to seek punishment or revenge, a willingness to reconcile.
We journey to Northern Ireland on this Pilgrimage of Forgiveness and Reconciliation because there, as in the United States, religion and politics are often closely aligned, making difficult the task of finding a political solution that regards all people equally.
Our home in N. Ireland will be Corrymeela at Knocklayd, www.corrymeela.org/. The Corrymeela Community, a sister to the Iona Community, was founded in 1965 to promote “reconciliation and peace-building through the healing of social, religious and political divisions in Northern Ireland.” It provides a perfect setting for us to explore the role of forgiveness and reconciliation in our lives, to learn what it means to be a forgiving community, to practice forgiveness step by step in our daily lives, and to persevere in the journey to reconciliation.
Pilgrimage Activities
The Corrymeela Community operates two residential centers, one in Knocklayd where we will stay, another at Ballycastle which we will also visit. Members of the Community will guide us through a variety of day tours and reflections as we explore what it means to live into forgiveness and reconciliation. Our exploration will take us to:
- Derry, the site of Bloody Sunday in 1972, and its sister city Londonderry
- Coleraine, home to Ulster University and its work with peace and justice
- the “Divided Communities” in Belfast
- Armagh, one of Ireland’s oldest cities where St. Patrick founded the church in 455 and where the Catholic Church and Church of Ireland (Anglican) have cathedrals on opposing hills
- Omagh, where the single worst bombings occurred in 1998 and home to the Ulster American Folk Park which documents the outward emigration of people to the north and to the United States
And we will also enjoy the splendor of “The Emerald Isle” with outings that include The Giant Causeway, the Antrim coastline, a Celtic Archeological tour, and opportunities to visit museums and castles and to enjoy traditional Irish music.
As we visit the communities we will talk with people who have experienced “the Troubles” firsthand and who have worked through the difficult process of forgiveness and reconciliation. Their experiences range from excombatants to women who deal with the domestic violence that often accompanies armed conflict, to the present work with the Victims Commission. We will learn how N. Ireland is considering the next steps for civil/societal forgiveness and will reflect on the lessons it holds for us in our own communities. We may also have an opportunity to talk with members of the Corrymeela Community who have worked in El Salvador and other war-torn areas.
Pilgrims will receive a detailed itinerary with complete information about lodging, a list of fellow pilgrims, and material that you may find helpful in preparing for the pilgrimage. You will also have a Day Book to guide you through the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives and in our world.
Trip cost
Cost per person, shared rooms $1795, excluding air fare so that pilgrims can take advantage of frequent flier miles or other travel plans in Europe.
Our retreat home in N. Ireland is set in the picturesque slopes of Knocklayd Mountain. Forgiveness and reconciliation is work that is best done in community, so it is fitting that most rooms are shared with 1 to 3 others encouraging deep conversation as we visit sites and work through the themes. Homecooked meals will warm our hearts and stomachs, and the beautiful countryside and gardens of Corrymeela will provide ample space for quiet and reflection. Price includes all accommodations, all trip-related ground transportation, all entry fees and activities, speakers, gratuities and most of our meals. (We will have an opportunity to sample local pubs and restaurants when we visit other communities, so plan on 6 or 7 lunch or dinner events where you are free to select your own fare.)
Interesting Links
- The Corrymeela Community
- Armagh
- Saint Patrick's Trian Visitor Complex
- Ulster American Folk Park
- The Giant's Causeway
The Brochure and Registration Form
Click here for a printable brochure which includes the above information along with the registration form.
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