On this page we set out the principles and guidelines that underpin our “Way of Life”. We introduce the 10 elements of our “Way”: our “Waymarks”. We consider the role of our “Way” in enhancing our faith’s journey and its capacity to influence our approach to life and its demands.
in his book Colonies of Heaven Ian Bradley ponders the rise of modern spiritual/religious dispersed Christian communities of ordinary people living ordinary lives; “Could it be that in the post-modern, pick-and-mix spiritual supermarket we now inhabit, people actually crave commitment, discipline and obedience?“
Three Principles underpin our spiritual life and the “Way” that we espouse: In common with many communities within Christianity we have three vows. We understand ours to be life-giving Principles, not rules, that underpin our spiritual life and the “Way” that we espouse:
- Simplicity: we are willing to be rich or poor for God. We resist the temptation to be greedy or possessive. We will not manipulate people or creation. We aim to be bold in using all we have for God without fear.
- Purity: we are faithful in relationships. We accept, and give to God, our whole being, including our sexuality. We love all people as Christ commands. We express sexual emotions and intimacy only in married life. We respect and rejoice in each person equally, irrespective of their situation or circumstances, and aim to be available to them with compassion and openness.
- Obedience: we joyfully abandon ourselves to God. The root of obedience is attentive listening and discernment—through prayer and guidance—to recognise our role and calling. (The Community does not have an abbot or mother superior to whom we are accountable.) We accept differences and work with others for the common good, respecting each and their role (1 Cor 12).
Our personal guide and mentor is called our Anamchara (Soul Friend). The “Celtic” church affirmed this ministry of the Anamchara. Our Anamchara is a mature Christian who is in sympathy with the aims of the International Community; also they would respect our Christian tradition if they don’t come from it. They do not have to belong to the Community, but it is clearly helpful if they do. Each member of our Community will have an Anamchara to work with them in developing a Way of Life that is personally suited to them.
This template Way of Life relates to the following 10 areas of life. These are seen as “Waymarks” guiding us along a safe route towards a spiritual destination. Our own version of this “Way of Life” is reviewed annually.
The 10 “Waymarks” can be described as follows:
- Learning with the Heart (ag foghlaim leis an gcroí) also known as Lifelong Learning by exploring and seeking inspiration for our faith and life from the three “Books” of the Early Irish {“Celtic”} Christian tradition:
- The Book of the Scriptures;
- The Book of the Creation;
- The Book of the Soul (Spirit) ie the promptings of the Spirit in the heart.
- Journey of the Little Coracle (turas an curachán) which is a way of saying our voyage in the coastal waters of our growing faith and spiritual commitment, also known as our Spiritual Journey:
- Journeying with our anamchara, our Soul Friend;
- Journeying in Retreat; ie staying in a place of spiritual significance or deep quiet;
- Journeying to a “Thin Place”; ie visiting as a pilgrim a place where the numinous presence of God can be readily experienced.
- The Three Labours (na Trí Shaothar) as described in the Rule of St Columba:
- A Rhythm of Prayer
- and of Work;
- and of Recreation.
- The Powerful Prayer of Love (paidir chumhachtach an ghrá) also known as Praying for God’s Will in God’s World. Through prayer for others and in seeking harmony with God’s Will we fulfil the two great commandments: Selfless Love.
- A Balanced Life (saol cothrom) also known as a Simple Lifestyle. We choose to simplify our needs and moderate our lives; to walk lightly in Creation and leave no blemish. We are stewards of the things we have, we do not possess them.
- Care for Creation (cúram don chruthú); this is perhaps the 3rd pillar in the Early Irish {“Celtic”} Christian Tradition.
- Restoring Relationships (caidrimh a athbhunú) also known as the Healing of Fragmented People and Communities and Land; this is perhaps the 2nd pillar in the Early Irish {“Celtic”} Christian Tradition.
- Wind of the Spirit (gaoth an Spioraid) also known as Openness to God’s Spirit; this is perhaps the 1st pillar in the Early Irish {“Celtic”} Christian Tradition.
- Weave the Three Strands (na trí snáithe a fhí) also known as Unity; we see this in terms of acceptance and welcome of each others’ traditions whilst not seeking to conform them to us or us to them.
- Share the Experience of Christ (Comhroinn Taithí Chríost) also known as Mission in which we offer our deep relationship with God through Christ as an example to others that they may seek for and attain.
St Bede makes a very significant point in his Vita about St Cuthbert, he understands the Saint to have re-established the relationship Adam once had with the Divine Creator; one of instinctive obedience and devotion. The notable outcome of this restoration as embodied in the Saint is that Creation/Nature has its full and supportive role with the Saint immediately restored (perhaps a fulfilment of Rom. 8:22–23 NRSV “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”). It is of great significance that the notable Irish Saints were those whose ability to interact authoritatively with Nature was the defining act of mission to the Irish people and energised their acceptance of the ‘new’ Faith.
Help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with You.
St Brendan the Navigator of Ardfert
I would like an abundance of peace.
I would like full vessels of charity.
I would like rich treasures of mercy.
I would like cheerfulness to preside over all.
St Brigid of Kildare (attributed)