Today marks the last part of our pilgrimage trip to Lindisfarne or Holy Island.
"the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, commonly known as either Holy Island or Lindisfarne, is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England, which constitutes the civil parish of Holy Island in Northumberland." In the local are of Lindisfarne. the island is rarely referred to by its Anglo-Saxon name of 'Lindisfarne'. Following on from that murderous and bloodthirsty attack on the monastery by the Vikings in 793 A .D, its local name came from the observations made by the Durham monks: 'Lindisfarne - baptised in the blood of so many good men - truly a 'Holy Island'. Its more appropriate title, 'The Holy Island of Lindisfarne', is a little long for most maps!
The delightful, historic island lies just off the extreme North East corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed. The small population of just over 160 people is swelled, by well over 650,000 visitors coming from all over the world every year.
Lindisfarne is very well known internationally for both for its medieval religious heritage and also its picturesque 16th century castle. These, together with most of the community, are located on the Southern part of the island, which is the main focus for tourists and holidaymakers. Many are also attracted by the peace and tranquility which pervades the Island and the remote Northern conservation area, with more than its fair share of quiet white sanded beaches and unique natural history.
We welcome again Sheila and Philip and thank them for their video, which we will gain much from and maybe it will prompt us in safer days to make our own pilgrimage to this unique and holy island.
Our thanks to Philip and Sheila for this beautiful video.
PRAYER OF ST. AIDAN OF LINDISFARNE
Leave me alone with God as much as may be. As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore, Make me an island, set apart, Alone with you, God, holy to you.
Then with the turning of the tide Prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond, The world that rushes in on me, Till the waters come again and fold me back to you.
Amen
Holy Island by David Adams
God calls you out from where you are
God calls you from your safety and security
Come!
Come to the Borderlands where the sea meets sky
Come to the edge where earth meets sea
Come!
Come where two worlds meet
Come and discover that heaven and earth are one
Come!
You are children of the way
You have a road to travel
Come!
You need a Holy Island
A holy place that makes all places holy
Come!
You have a rendezvous to make
A meeting place to find
Come!
Listen to the waves and the murmurs of God
Be moved by the wind, ad the calling of God
Come!
Let walking become your prayer
Let journeying be part of your song
Come!
You may discover yourself
You may meet your own mysterious being
Come!
Discover for yourself sacred space
Enter into the time, which is beyond time
Come!
Then everything will be transformed
Come!
It is God who calls you to step out
It is God who travels the road with you
Come!