Exploring the Foundations of English Spirituality

In the early Middle Ages, two traditions of spirituality thrived in the British Isles. Celtic spirituality flourished in the North and West, while a more cosmopolitan tradition promoted from Rome took root in the Southeast, centered on Canterbury. From these foundations, remarkable centers of devotional practice and texts for the cultivation of spiritual experience were generated in the English church.

This program offers an opportunity to visit key sites of Celtic Christianity in the north of England and to become acquainted with the inspirational lives associated with those places, as described by the Venerable Bede, who completed in 731 the first history of the church in England. It guides participants to a personal understanding of great English mystics and devotional writers of the twelfth and fourteenth centuries through direct experience of the places in which they lived, physical artifacts from their times, as well as written testimonies they created for the instruction of others who might follow after them.

As a study tour and pilgrimage, this program will integrate learning opportunities with time for spiritual reflection in locations of physical beauty and historical significance.

Program Highlights

Meet Great Figures of English Spirituality
It is one thing to read the works of great English spiritual writers; it is another thing to meet them by visiting the places where they lived and worked. Travel to places where visionary men and women expressed their faith makes their work come to life and inspires growth and transformation in participants. We will walk in the footsteps of people like Augustine of Canterbury, Cutherbert, Bede, Hilda, Aelred, Richard Rolle, Marjorie Kemp and Julian of Norwich. Visit the places in which these figures lived and worked - places like the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne, Whitby, Rievaulx Abbey, Jarrow, Norwich and Canterbury.

Be Moved by Religious Art and Architecture
The English capture the spirit of their traditions not only in the written word but in stone, glass and pigment. We will experience the deep theological convictions and devotions of the English at historic cathedrals, monasteries and chapels where this genius was expressed and has been preserved through the ages.

Inspire Visionary Faith In Our Own Times
Historical circumstances change, but the yearnings of the human heart remain similar over the ages. By learning how faithful Christians in medieval England found meaning in the difficult conditions confronting them, we may discover unexpected resources for enriching our own lives with new inspiration.

Venues
While there are many places to explore the history of English spirituality, some suggested venues of importance include Melrose, Lindisfarne, Jarrow, Durham, Whitby, Reivaulx, York, Norwich and Canterbury. Many groups begin in the north and make their way south along the east coast of England finishing in Canterbury and/or in London.

Email or contact us to learn more about how we can customize this program for your specific interests.