Journeying | Pilgrimage Holidays | Christian Walking Holidays | Christian Short Breaks

Cost

£495

Description

Caldey is one of Britain's Celtic Holy Islands. There has been a monastery on the island since the 6th century and the current Abbey is home to Cistercian monks who follow the Rule of St Benedict with services throughout the day. The island is a wonder of peace, history and nature with churches going back to the 6th century, a medieval priory that escaped the Reformation, deserted sandy beaches, a lighthouse, a colony of red squirrels, seals and thousands of sea birds. Caldey is also famous for its chocolate and fudge all made by hand in the small chocolate factory on the island's farm.

We follow the Caldey Island Pilgrimage Trail around the island. We also learn about the monks' contemplative way of life, getting into the rhythm of daily monastic prayer and we consider how we might be able to adopt some of their practices such as the Divine Office, Lectio Divina and silent prayer into our lives back home.

If you're looking to re-charge your spiritual batteries and soak in the atmosphere of this unique Celtic holy island this journey is for you.

Walks and Excursions

Day 1: Arrive in Tenby and take the ferry boat to Caldey. After settling into St Philomena's Retreat we take a leisurely stroll around the village and up to the lighthouse. There will be the opportunity to attend a monastic service in the Abbey followed by an introduction to contemplative spirituality at St Philomena's Retreat.

For each of the next three days we follow a pattern of a leisurely pilgrimage walk in the morning followed by insights into Cistercian contemplative spirituality in the afternoon, each interspersed with an opportunity to join the monks in their daily services. There is also plenty of opportunity for you to explore the island and spend time on your own.

Day 2: In the morning we walk the first stage of the Caldey Island Pilgrimage Trail and we will find out more about the Cistercian way of life. In the afternoon will have free time to enjoy the island.

Day 3: In the morning we walk the second stage of the Pilgrimage Trail and in the afternoon we find out about the role of Lectio Divina followed by free time in the afternoon.

Day 4: We walk the final stage of the pilgrimage trail from the lighthouse, maybe spot a resident seal and come back via the chocolate factory, St Illtys's church and a woodland nature tail. In the afternoon we have free time to enjoy the island, perhaps visting the gift shop and Tea Gardens.

Day 5: Return to Tenby on the ferry boat after breakfast.

Accommodation

We'll be staying in the newly refurbished St Philomena's Retreat where we will take all our meals. All rooms are single with shared bathroom facilities apart from two twin rooms for couples.

Getting there

Please arrive in Tenby by 1.30pm on day one in time to catch the last ferry boat over the to island from Castle Beach (a 20 minute crossing). There is a train station in the town centre ten minutes walk from the harbour and there are several public car parks where you can pay by app or cash. We'll return back to Tenby in the morning of day 5. Please note that all sailings are weather-permitting so it's a good idea not to have important travel schedules or appointments scheduled on the final day just in case the boats are delayed.

Contact

Iain Tweedale: tweedale.iain@gmail.com 07904 042976 with Jane Moffett.