The Celtic tradition offers two very different, but in the end interdependent, reasons to take up ascetic practices. Besides being a gymnasium of the soul as I described in my previous article, Training For Holiness, it is also an act of solidarity with the suffering of the world. This is well expressed in the Homily … Continue reading Asceticism as an Act of Solidarity →

In the Christian mystical tradition there is an ancient way of understanding God by means of negation. This is often called apophatic theology. The most famous of the Christian mystics who teach this path of unknowing is Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. This way of understanding God and contemplative prayer came into the Western Christian tradition through … Continue reading God is Nothing →

Asceticism is not a popular word in our modern world. It is often associated with a sort of pious self hatred and violence against the body. Let’s start this conversation by pointing out that asceticism can become unhealthy and be harmful to the human person. Let’s also acknowledge, however, that this is part of the … Continue reading Training for Holiness →

Today is the first Sunday of the month when we share guest posts from people living and teaching the Contemplative and/or Celtic Christian way around the world. One of the beautiful things about the internet is that people doing amazing things in isolated parts of the world can learn from one another and grow together. … Continue reading On the Merits of Asceticism →

In the words of Jesus we are called to "be perfect as our Heavenly father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This has been a real sticking point for many people and it is one of those things Jesus says which the general Christian public has decided to cast aside as not being practical. He must not … Continue reading Christian Perfection →

In the early church there were many sacred books and stories. Their idea of scripture was more robust and diverse than the bible we have today. As the bible began to be canonized (which means it was agreed upon and nothing new could be added) there were many popular and profound texts which didn't make … Continue reading The Power of Women →

I believe that the world needs the wisdom of the Celtic Christian tradition. The church, with all its denominations and expressions throughout the centuries, has lost its way. The "traditional" way the gospel has been taught for the last few centuries isn't working for people anymore. We are starting to wake up to the fact … Continue reading Sharing Celtic Christianity With the World →

One of my favourite stories of the Celtic saints is that of Brendan the Navigator. The story is part of a literary genre known as immram. This summer I spent some time fasting in the wilderness and I rooted my little time of ritual and prayer in the concept of immram, and in the story … Continue reading Brendan the Navigator →

Brigid of Kildare was a saint and founder of monasteries in Ireland. Along with Patrick and Columba she is said to be one of the three patron saints of Ireland. Her legacy and impact on Irish and Scottish Christianity are profound. Her legends are likely the amalgamation of a medieval abbess and a pagan goddess … Continue reading Brigid of Kildare: Anamchara and Miracle Worker →

Today is the first Sunday of the month when we share guest posts from people living and teaching the Contemplative and/or Celtic Christian way around the world. One of the beautiful things about the internet is that people doing amazing things in isolated parts of the world can learn from one another and grow together. … Continue reading Eco Divina: The Splendor of a Tree →