Overview

The forgotten truths of Celtic Christianity provide a portal into a spiritual way of experiencing the world. The Celtic Christians beheld the world around them and perceived the divine life of God as upholding every aspect of the material universe. Their prayers and poems, their liturgies and theological interpretations give Christians a sense of faith that is confident in a merciful and infinitely creative, healing God. In this introduction to Celtic Christian spirituality, Mary Earle presents primary texts from the Celtic Christian tradition—selections from the works of Pelagius, Eriugena and St. Patrick, as well as prayers and poems from Wales, the Outer Hebrides and Ireland. These essential writings direct humanity to read the ""book of creation"" as well as the Bible, and call us to remember that “matter matters.” Earle's engaging facing-page commentary explores how faithful Christians and spiritual seekers can take inspiration from this lively tradition’s ways of embodying and living the gospel. Topics include: Creation Daily life and work Incarnation Pilgrimage Blessing Social justice Prayer

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9781683360070

Table of Contents

Reviews

With uncanny grace and deftness [weaves] the soul-wrenching beauty of Celtic spirituality and the joy of contextual understanding into a seamless and deeply satisfying whole. The result, like the biblical Psalter itself, is a loving companion for all the times and seasons of our lives. Phyllis Tickle, compiler, The Divine Hours A poetic feast [led by] a wise soul friend, expertly guiding us through the meaning of the words so we might claim their meaning for our lives today . Illuminating and luminous, insightful and grace-filled. I highly recommend this book! Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, author, Lectio Divina The Sacred Art: Transforming Words and Images into Heart-Centered Prayer and The Artist's Rule With a poet's eye, a pastor s heart and a scholar s erudition, makes [verse, prayer and praise] accessible and pertinent within both a contemporary and historical context . Wonderful. Alice Peck, editor, Bread, Body, Spirit: Finding the Sacred in Food and Next to Godliness: Finding the Sacred in Housekeeping Recommended ... for anyone who wants to better understand the spirituality of the Celts and their haste in embracing Christianity. Library Bookwatch Thoughtfully selects and soulfully discusses Celtic works with wisdom . I found myself reminded over and over again of the grace and beauty of creation through these lovely prayers and poems. Greg Garrett, author, The Other Jesus; professor of English, Baylor University A gift to all spiritual seekers . [Makes] the wisdom of the Celtic spiritual tradition easily accessible. Read this collection slowly, allowing the rhythms to touch your soul. Rev. Jane E. Vennard, author, Praying with Body and Soul Those who have come to appreciate the genius of Celtic Christianity will especially welcome this collection . A delightful work! Timothy J. Joyce, OSB, author, Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, A Vision of Hope A deep well of inspiration and information for thirsty twenty-first-century pilgrims . A trustworthy guide along the way. Steven Purcell, director, Laity Lodge Mary C. Earle has offered retreats and classes on the Celtic Christian tradition for more than 20 years in seminary, conference and national settings. In this collection of passages from a variety of sources, she explains and notes some of the themes in the writings of these avid believers: the gift of seeing God as present in everyday activities such as tending to the fire in one's home, taking care while doing chores and being sure to glorify God at the beginning and at the end of the day. Here is an example: In the morning light, O God, may I glimpse again your image deep within me, the threads of eternal glory woven into the fabric of every man and woman (from John Philip Newell, 21st-century Celtic practitioner). Another practice of these early Christians was to lavish attention and care on the natural world. And the third duty of a Celtic Christian was to walk the talk of love, faith and hope. There are many selections from the Carmina Gadelica, a six-volume collection of poems, hymns and songs compiled by Andrew Carmichael around the end of the 19th century. Here's to you, dear reader: God's blessing be yours/and well may it befall you (SkyLight Paths).--Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat The Lutheran Magazine (11/01/2011) Mary C. Earle is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader and spiritual director. She is the author of many books including The Desert Mothers: Spiritual Practices from the Women of the Wilderness. She has offered retreats and classes on the Celtic Christian tradition for more than 20 years in seminary, conference, and national settings. In the introduction, Earle makes reference to some of the themes that shine through the essential writings of Celtic Christians: attention and care for all creation; the gift of seeing God as present in everyday activities; and an emphasis on the practices of love, faith and hope. Like the other volumes in the SkyLight Illuminations series, a text appears on one page and notes and commentaries are on the facing page. Here is wonderful material by Saint Patrick of Ireland, Pelagius, John Scotus Eriugena, George MacLeod of the Iona Community, John Philip Newell and John O'Donohue. There are also selections from The Carmina Gadelica, a six-volume collection of poems, hymns, songs and incantations compiled by Andrew Carmichael around the end of the nineteenth century. This paperback is divided into seven thematic sections: 1. Creation 2. Prayer 3. Incarnation 4. Daily Life and Work 5. Soul Friends 6. Pilgrimage 7. Social Justice We close with a quotation from Pelagius in A Letter to an Elderly Friend : Yet we should remember that all love comes from God; so when our love is directed towards an animal or even a tree, we are participating in the fullness of God's love. --Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice

With uncanny grace and deftness [weaves] the soul-wrenching beauty of Celtic spirituality and the joy of contextual understanding into a seamless and deeply satisfying whole. The result, like the biblical Psalter itself, is a loving companion for all the times and seasons of our lives. Phyllis Tickle, compiler, The Divine Hours A poetic feast [led by] a wise soul friend, expertly guiding us through the meaning of the words so we might claim their meaning for our lives today . Illuminating and luminous, insightful and grace-filled. I highly recommend this book! Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, author, Lectio Divina The Sacred Art: Transforming Words and Images into Heart-Centered Prayer and The Artist's Rule With a poet's eye, a pastor s heart and a scholar s erudition, makes [verse, prayer and praise] accessible and pertinent within both a contemporary and historical context . Wonderful. Alice Peck, editor, Bread, Body, Spirit: Finding the Sacred in Food and Next to Godliness: Finding the Sacred in Housekeeping Recommended ... for anyone who wants to better understand the spirituality of the Celts and their haste in embracing Christianity. Library Bookwatch Thoughtfully selects and soulfully discusses Celtic works with wisdom . I found myself reminded over and over again of the grace and beauty of creation through these lovely prayers and poems. Greg Garrett, author, The Other Jesus; professor of English, Baylor University A gift to all spiritual seekers . [Makes] the wisdom of the Celtic spiritual tradition easily accessible. Read this collection slowly, allowing the rhythms to touch your soul. Rev. Jane E. Vennard, author, Praying with Body and Soul Those who have come to appreciate the genius of Celtic Christianity will especially welcome this collection . A delightful work! Timothy J. Joyce, OSB, author, Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, A Vision of Hope A deep well of inspiration and information for thirsty twenty-first-century pilgrims . A trustworthy guide along the way. Steven Purcell, director, Laity Lodge

Author Information

Mary C. Earle, an Episcopal priest, retreat leader and spiritual director, is the author of Julian of Norwich: Selections from Revelations of Divine Love—Annotated & Explained; The Desert Mothers: Spiritual Practices from the Women of the Wilderness and Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings—Annotated and Explained; and coauthor of Holy Companions: Spiritual Practices from the Celtic Saints and Praying with the Celtic Saints. In addition to four books on the spirituality of living with illness, she has written for explorefaith.org. She has been introducing the writings of Julian in seminary classes, retreats and conferences for over twenty years. Mary C. Earle is available to speak on the following topics: The Weaving of Heaven and Earth: Celtic Christian Spirituality for Today Befriending: The Heart of Celtic Prayer and Practice The Book of Creation The Desert Mothers The Gift of Divine Rhythms: Sabbath Rest John Philip Newell, internationally acclaimed teacher, retreat leader and speaker, is the widely read author of several books, including Listening for the Heartbeat of God, Praying with the Earth; A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth & the Human Soul and Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings (SkyLight Paths). Formerly warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, he is now companion theologian for the American Spirituality Center of Casa del Sol at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and the co-founder of Heartbeat: A Journey Towards Earth's Wellbeing.

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