SEPTEMBER 2006

New Iosas Prayer Gardens opened in Muff

A totally new way of experiencing the spirituality of the Celtic saints in this 21st Century was realised at the weekend with the official Opening and Blessing of Iosas Centre, Celtic Prayer/Pilgrim Garden at Muff.

The opening ceremony was performed by Bishop Seamus Hegarty accompanied by clergy from other denominations. The initials Iosas stand for Island of Saints and Scholars and the gardens cover a six-acre site laid out in the shape of the island of Ireland. It celebrates Ireland's Golden Age from 5th to 12th Century and depicts the lives of the great Celtic Christian saints who spread the faith throughout this land and into mainland Europe. In the garden there is the replica stone cell of St. Columba, a straw-bale built, thatched Oratory to honour St. Canice (from Limavady). It is an oasis of peace for prayer and mediation.

St. Ciaran of Saigher's great love of nature is celebrated in the bird sanctuary dedicated to him, a quiet place for reflection. There is a replica of the cave St. Columbanus lived in Italy having crossed the Alps to bring the Good News to medieval Europe.

By following the pathway around the beautifully natural bog garden, pilgrims can visit the sites and buildings honouring the lives and charisms (gifts) of these famous men and women of faith. Using the Guide/Prayer Book they can learn how our ancestors' steadfast faith in God directed every aspect of their lives and how important faith in God is for a happy life today.

Speaking at the opening, Director Fr. Neal Carlin said he has dreamed of creating such a spiritual haven for many years now. "This common Christian Heritage Centre is the culmination of a number of projects initiated by the Columba Community. Some 20 years ago I remember writing a series of three articles entitled 'Back to the Future'. These were about the Golden Age of Ireland and the gifts of those many Celtic Saints whom we have as our common heritage. The vibrancy of their faith and learning earned for them the title 'Island of Saints and Scholars," Fr. Carlin said.

He added that this island bought a new Renaissance to Europe and in the words of one author "Ireland saved civilisation" in the wake of barbarian invasion following the fall of the Roman Empire. At a recent lecture in Athlone Karl Renner from Wurtzburg University in Bavaria spoke of over 600 Irish missionary monks going to Bavaria during these centuries. "To commemorate these missionaries and this memorable past, together with challenging today's society with new opportunities for Christian living. The Columba Community has developed Iosas Centre as a place of pilgrimage,prayer and for youth seeking for life, love and a living God.

A spiritual awakening and getting to know Christ's love is very possible in such a place as this prayer garden. That is what many seek to experience in this age. We are merely providing the opportunity for individuals and groups to tap into the treasurers of faith, word of God, confession and Holy Eucharist," Fr. Neal said.

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