From Friday 12 May to Friday 19 May, Dredging Chaplain Stefan Francke and SPWO board member Fred Omvlee, former Head of Chaplaincy Services within the Royal Netherlands Navy, took part in a retreat on the beautiful Scottish island of Iona. During their stay, they lived in Iona Abbey, founded by St. Columba, who arrived on the island in AD 563. Today, the abbey is an internationally recognised centre of Celtic spirituality, welcoming visitors from around the world for worship, reflection, and retreat.
It was a meaningful and intensive week. Fred and Stefan travelled together from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and shared a room with a third minister. In addition to the Dutch group, the abbey welcomed students from Hope College (USA) as well as guests from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Alongside the beautiful and inspiring worship services held each morning at 9:00 a.m. and each evening at 9:00 p.m., the programme included workshops and seminars on spirituality and Christian living, opportunities to explore the island, a pilgrimage across Iona, an excursion to the neighbouring island of Staffa, and many personal conversations. Stefan and Fred also took the opportunity to take a refreshing plunge into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Spiritually enriched and refreshed, they were due to fly back to the Netherlands on Friday evening. At least, that was the plan. Technical problems with the aircraft meant that some of the passengers—including Fred—had to spend the night in Glasgow. Stefan eventually arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport too late to catch the last train home and therefore also had to stay overnight. Pilgrimages, after all, are always full of unexpected surprises!
More info on the abbey and its activities ca be found at: iona.org.uk
A Celtic blessing that Stefan already used on board:
May God, who is present
in sunrise and nightfall,
and in the crossing of the sea,
guide your feet as you go.
May God,
who is with you when you sit
and when you stand,
encompass you with love
and lead you by the hand.
May God, who knows your path
and the places where you rest,
be with you in your waiting
be your good news for sharing,
and lead you in the way
that is everlasting. Amen
The Abbey There was also time to relax and enjoy the island.
