I have been on a pilgrimage to the rock off the south west coast of Kerry – Skellig Michael. You may not be very taken by pilgrimage, but it is possibly the only 'growth sector' of religious activity at the moment, now that the 'new age' spiritualties are rapidly fading or assimilating to mainstream culture. What image does the word 'pilgrimage' bring to your mind? Parish worthies piling off the bus in a damp car park at knock - shuffling off in search of a cup of tea? This was different. Firstly there are nine miles of sea to cross – and the sea is the open Atlantic... Gillies

The highlights for me were: having Mass and being able to take Holy Communion in amazing places, such as the cave where Jesus was born in Bethlehem; in the open air on the Mount of Beatitudes with the birds singing including the colonizing yellow canaries; ascending Mount Tabor by taxi; being in the boat on the Sea of Galilee. Our bus driver and our tour guide, Nimrod, were fantastic and so helpful they became our friends throughout the whole trip. Fr John prepared for us and gave us each day wonderful notes for each day ahead. This was most generous of him and greatly appreciated by everyone. Thank you Mícheál, for arranging this wonderful experience. Aideen 2016

Words like excellent, stunning, wonderful come to mind. The measure was full and running over. It had great variety and depth. Thanks for stretching our imagination. The grub was A1 (and I'm a vegetarian). The accommodation just got better and better. The driver, Director, Spiritual Director and guide formed a formidable team. Us folk in our strengths and weaknesses became an instant functional community. I loved all the elements and would not drop any. The riches of the area are so vast. Mar a duirt an té a duirt re Rome: One week perfect! One year, not enough. Lean ort faoi bhláth, A Mhichíl. Mo mhíle bhuiochas, Seán 2017