Soulfaring: Celtic Pilgrimage Then and Now

by Cintra Penmerton, O. S. H. Sister Cintra Pemberton

In the past few years pilgrimage-going to ancient holy sites in search of God-has become increasingly popular for people seeking to deepen their relationship with the Holy. Sister Cintra Pemberton seeks to enrich the experiences of today's pilgrims by helping them draw on the history of pilgrimage itself, as well as by suggesting particularly rich sites to visit. Part One of Soulfaring explores the history of pilgrimage, beginning in Celtic times, and moving through the early Christian period, the Middle Ages, and even the revival of pilgrimage today. Part Two explores fifteen sites in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Each of the descriptions of the various sites includes not only suggestions of what may be seen there, but the author's personal meditations on the experience of the Holy in each place.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Rod White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the num who wrote this book. She's kind of picky and ecumenical, but sincere. I also like hearing about the missinary monks of the Celts and wondering how they got overun by the legalistic, heirarchical, Roman-empire-mimicking Catholic Church. How sad. I want to go to the thin places and imagine a church where people are elevated to leadership because the community follows them and they have an inspiration that makes a difference.

[Pat Loughery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite read on Celtic spirituality over the past year. It’s a look at journeying and pilgrimage, both for the early Celtic Christians and also for us today. As fascinated as I am these days in theology of place and of journey, Pemberton’s look at pilgrimage was a great match for me. Read it if you’re interested in travel, Celtic Christianity, or sacred space.