"Celtic Christians knew that God was not remote from their day to day lives. God was all around them, in the landscape of nature, in the regular rhythms of a natural life, in the rising and setting of the sun, in the cycle of the seasons, in work of all people. Everything was sacred."
Welcome to your tasters for March.
Psalm 19 reminds us, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." This month you are invited to explore some of the riches of the Celtic traditions of prayer.
So, time to begin.
Experience Celtic Spirituality - take a 'Walk in two worlds':
Download the guide and start your month reflecting on the holiness of creation, exploring what it means to be aware of God in daily life. Explore how the natural rhythms of life can shape your spiritual rhythms:
A month of Celtic Spirituality
Don't forget to book your place on this month's Meet the Chefs session on 27th March, 2025. This month we will be led by Olive Malcolm, Poet and author of 'Sounds of Iona' a collection of poems and images. "Painting pictures with words, telling stories with photographs."
Doing - Get stuck in
In this section you can download simple, clear instructions on how to get started which are easily printed for personal or small group use:
Walking with Jesus - Rhythm of Life Pilgrimage from Malmesbury to Brinkworth, 5th April 2025
Join us for a special pilgrimage in Lent, with guided reflections along the way. We will also coincide with the launch celebrations for the launch of the next stage of the Athelstan Pilgrim Way. As you prepare for Easter why not join our pilgrimage?
Book your place on the Rhythm of Life Pilgrimage
Watching - Learning from others
We've asked people to try out some of practices to share their experiences of how they have helped them to connect with God in new ways:
Gigi, a member of Hazelnut Community Farm, invites us to sit with her in the garden as she looks around and allows what she sees to inspire her in a prayer of thankfulness for the goodness of God.
Carole Britton, author of Past, Present and Presence shares why the practice of pilgrimage is so important to her
Carole reads an extract from Past, Present and Presence that describes a personal pilgrimage to Easton Grey Church. Copies of her book can be bought from the Bookshop at Malmesbury Abbey
How to pray using a labyrinth.
Further resources and links
Resources from Olive Malcolm - our monthly 'Meet the Chef' speaker for March
Handout from the March Taster Session
Athelstan Pilgrim Way
Find out about the Athelstan Pilgrim Way in North Wiltshire and the different walking routes to explore. You can collect a 'Pilgrimage Passport' from Malmesbury Abbey and other churches along the way.
Local Labyrinths
Victoria Park Labyrinth in South Bristol is free for anyone to use. Originally it was a 'Water Maze' with water flowing between the pathways. The water feature has fallen out of use, but when it rains it is possible to see it as it was originally intended. The design is based on the famous labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral which also features on a roof boss in St Mary Redcliffe Church.
Photo: Dr Tricky licensed under CCA 2.0 Licence
Emmaus House in Whitchurch offers a variety of spaces and resources for retreats, including an emphasis on Creation Care and an opportunity to walk a Labyrinth
Learn how the use of Labyrinth is catching on even in the secular world as a way to find meaning:
The Diocese of Clifton has resources on caring for our common home - Laudato Si
Click below to return to last month's Rhythm of Life page: Or have a sneak peek at next month:
