The high point of a sabbatical pilgrimage to Scotland in the summer of 2002, was my stay on the remote and beautiful Hebridean Island, Iona, just off the Western tip of the Ross of Mull. The community St. Columba founded on Iona in AD 563 became the center for an early, northern renaissance in which books, art, music and culture were preserved in the face of the encroaching “dark age.” Columba and his monks were vigorous and tireless missionaries who did much to keep Christianity alive in Europe.
There is something unique about the atmosphere of Iona. You can’t help but recognize it as a sacred place permeated with the prayers and hopes of countless pilgrims over the centuries. With its ancient grey rocks, fertile fields, white sands, grazing sheep, high crosses and Abbey bell ringing in the distance—Iona is a place of holiness, solitude and incomparable beauty. If you’ve been there, I’m sure these words resonate with you.
I captured my memories of Iona in a song I wrote when I returned home. It was my first attempt using an altered tuning for the guitar, (DADGAD) especially after I stumbled on to the excellent playing of Tony McManus from Scotland who, in my opinion, has the corner on Celtic Guitar. Using my Logic Pro set up, I was able to incorporate sounds of seagulls, rolling waves, and even an abbey bell in the mix. I’m hoping my brother, Rob, an excellent drummer, can eventually supply a better rhythm track than the basic beat I used here. Still, I was pleased with the overall shape of the song and the memories of Iona it continues to evoke within me.
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Rick, Liane and I just listened to the song and loved it. What a haunting, beautiful song. I went to Iona in the early 90s and was smitten. Thanks for all the memories. Linda
Hey Rick – love the song! And the slide show!
Haunting lovely song, Rick.
Rick – that is so evocative of Iona. I can close my eyes and see it all over again listening to this song. Thanks for posting this, and waiting for the album!
I love this song! It definitely connects with the Celtic spirituality in me. Thanks for letting us hear it.
Dearest Rick, what a moving song. What a gift. And, I so appreciate your blog on Haiti. Keep speaking your truth my friend.
Fr. Rick,
This was wonderful, as usual. You know, people would buy downloads of this, and CDs for that matter. People who’ve never met you and know nothing of Holy Comforter. You now have a body of work that spans more than 30 years, with more to come I’m sure. That’s lots of songs, and lots of downloads and CDs. Think Justin Bieber. Think money raised for good causes around the world. I’m just sayin’. . .