Led by the Revd Canon Peter Moger

Peter Moger was born in the East Riding of Yorkshire. After reading Music at Merton College, Oxford and postgraduate study in composition, he taught for 3 years before training for ordination at St John’s College, Durham. He served as Curate at Whitby, Precentor of Ely Cathedral and Vicar of Godmanchester before working for the Church of England’s Liturgical Commission. He was appointed Canon Residentiary and Precentor of York in 2010. Peter has a lively interest in the use of words, space and music in worship and has contributed a number of hymn tunes to the most recent edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern. He has a particular love of the West Coast of Scotland, and of Iona in particular. Peter is married to Heather and they have two adult sons.

Iona is a small island off the coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides – 1.5 miles by 3 miles, home of the Iona Community, and with a small number of permanent residents. For centuries, Iona has drawn pilgrims in search of the sacred, and has a special place in the heart of many who have travelled there. The island is often described as a ‘thin place’, a place where only a tiny gap exists between earth and heaven, the material and the spiritual. For many people, the history of the island and those who have gone before us are insistent presences, as we walk literally in their footsteps, trace their journeys, and in turn make our own. Most well-known perhaps is St Columba, a sixth-century monk who sailed to Iona and founded the great monastery, where he stayed until his death.

During our pilgrimage, we will be staying at Bishop’s House, a retreat house situated close to the abbey, with a chapel placed at the heart of the house and is known for its warm welcome and wholesome home cooking. Throughout the week we will join together in daily worship (including the opportunity to join in worship at the abbey), walks to different parts of the island, times of guided prayer, and space for silence and peace. We are also hoping to arrange an excursion to a neighbouring island.

Travel will be by train, from York to Oban and then by ferry to Craignure, bus to Fionnaphort and ferry to Iona. It is an integrated transport system which works particularly well for travellers, and one which forms part of the pilgrimage as we journey through the picturesque mountains of the Scottish Highlands.

The cost will be in the region of £670 per person which includes all travel costs and full board at Bishop’s House. There will also be an opportunity to go on a day excursion to one of the neighbouring islands, at an added cost. Payments may be made in instalments with the final instalment received by 1 April 2018.

To secure your place we require a non refundable deposit of £100 per person, together with a completed registration form available below.

If you would like any further information regarding the Pilgrimage please speak to Canon Peter Moger at precentor@yorkminster.org

In the Steps of St Columba: Pilgrimage to Iona with York Minster Pilgrimage Group