Report for Keeills week 15th -22nd May 2010 Isle of Man
10 June 2010
I wonder how many of you took the time out to take part in the Isle of Man annual Keeills festival. I met a number of visitors who had travelled across the water to attend.
Well if you didn't because you missed a treat! The launch service and walk opened in the North of the Isle of Man. This was followed the next day with Celtic services at Peel Castle within the old Cathedral setting. What an amazing setting this is for Christian worship and many of us will not forget the activities and Iona songs for all ages built into a very moving spiritual service.
Monday's Keeills walk was in the west, followed by ‘The Deer's Cry,' lecture by Yvonne Cresswell (Manx National Heritage) - this was Archibald's Knox life long work which is now in the archives of the Manx National Museum. Knox had a strong spiritual persona which resonated in his beautiful manuscripts of St Patricks Breastplate. Many of us attending the lecture felt this work should be more visible as is the Book of Kells in Ireland - entrance fees to see the work would secure ideal conditions for it to be shown in a public setting.
Tuesday was the prayer pilgrimage to Cabbyl Pherick at Glen Moar on the west coast. This Keeills is well know amongst the locals and is at the base of a beautiful waterfall.
Wednesdays coach trip was a revelation as Frank Cowin educated us as to the historical relevance of a Keeill near Douglas where the altar stones are still standing. We progressed to the old Marown Church which was lovingly restored with Knox's assistance. The service at dusk with torches was very moving. Outside is a large family grave designed by Archibald Knox. The coach moved us on in the mist of Mann as visibility now was very poor. The mystery tour ended at St Marys in Casteltwon where the church ladies had prepared a splendid supper.
Thursday was another walk to Balladoole Keeills in Casteltown.
Friday evening was a candlelight procession to the Celtic cross at Tynwald Hill, St Johns where a short service was held by Bishop Robert.
On Saturday, the final day the sun shone and we all rode up the Snaefell Electric Railway for a short service at the top. The seven mile walk back along the Cornaa mining valley was fascinating as we heard about the Laxey Mining disaster and the communities who lived and worshiped in these areas so long ago. The Great Laxey Wheel still turning for today's visitors.
So you missed a lot but don't despair there is 2011 when I'm sure there will be another interesting programme events. Our Celtic forbearers called the Keeills "the thin places", where we can draw closer to God. Prayer and meditation were the focus throughout the week refreshing those who came along. The Keeills are a tangible link with our Christian heritage - Christians worshiped, prayed, read the bible, broke bread and made Christ know to those on the island. A witness we have now inherited having been passed on the baton. The website address is : www.prayingthekeeills.org
Better mark you diaries for 2011 if you want to catch what God is doing you need to make space!
Ravina Talbot - Isle of Man
