In the Footsteps of Celtic Saints
Oct 05, 2024This month, I’ll be traveling to Ireland for a month-long adventure as a digital nomad. The funny thing? That’s all I’ve got planned so far. No place to stay. No itinerary. I’m heading out with nothing but a small shoulder bag and a sense of purpose. Sound crazy? Maybe. But sometimes, we have to take a leap of faith—literally.
Now, why Ireland, you ask? Well, this journey isn’t just about wandering the breathtaking green hills (though, let’s be real, that’s a huge perk!). I’m heading to Ireland to follow in the footsteps of the Celtic saints—those fearless men and women who spread their faith far and wide, from the wild coasts of Ireland to the shores of Europe. These saints weren’t just monks hiding away in abbeys; they were trailblazers who set sail into the unknown, trusting in their mission with a kind of boldness that still inspires me today.
The Call of the Celtic Saints
Here’s a story for you: imagine being a monk, living a quiet life of prayer in Ireland, when suddenly your abbot says, “Hey, how about we take a boat and evangelize Europe?” You don’t know the language. You’ve never even been out of Ireland. The world beyond your island is a mystery. But you go anyway. And that’s exactly what these saints did. They stepped into the unknown, driven by their faith and their mission to spread the Gospel.
That’s what I find so fascinating about the Celtic saints. They didn’t have all the answers or a detailed roadmap. They simply trusted that each step they took was part of a bigger plan. As I prepare for this trip, I’m starting to see that maybe we’re not so different from them. We face our own uncertainties and challenges today—doubts about faith, questions about the future. But like the saints, we’re called to take that next step, even when we can’t see the whole path ahead.
My Pilgrimage (aka: Why I’m a Little Nervous)
I’ll be honest with you: this trip terrifies me. I love predictability. In fact, I often choose to go to Rome because, well, I know Rome! Ireland? That’s a whole different story. The lack of a fixed plan feels overwhelming, and it’s tempting to cancel everything and stick with what’s familiar. But isn’t life about stretching beyond our comfort zones?
So, I’m committing myself to this adventure. And now that I’ve shared it with you, there’s no turning back!
Here’s the twist: this journey isn’t just for me—it’s for you too. I’ll be documenting my travels through Ireland, visiting the places where these Celtic saints lived, prayed, and left their mark on history. But this won’t be your typical history lesson (don’t worry, I’m not about to don a tweed jacket and lecture you on dates and facts).
Instead, we’ll explore the lives of these saints through a modern lens. I’ll be asking: What if we could sit down with these saints today? What wisdom would they offer us about dealing with our modern-day struggles—whether it’s stress, doubt, or trying to find meaning in our hectic lives? Their courage, their faith, their ability to step into the unknown is something we can all learn from.
Want to Join Me?
I’m putting together a course called "The Wisdom of the Celtic Saints" to share everything I learn during this pilgrimage. I’ll take you along for the ride—through videos, podcasts, and informal updates—sharing my experiences as I wander through Ireland. You’ll hear the highs (and probably some of the hilarious lows), the insights I gather, and the personal struggles I encounter along the way.
It’s donation-based, with three different tiers, starting at €99. At the basic level, you’ll get access to all the content I create. The next tier will include more interaction, where we can dive deeper into what these saints' stories mean for us today. And for those of you who really want to support this adventure, the top tier offers a year-long pass to all of my upcoming digital nomad courses, plus a chance to interact more closely with me and fellow travelers.
Why Am I Doing This?
Here’s the thing: this isn’t just a trip for me—it’s a spiritual quest. I’m hoping to discover something deeply personal along the way. I’m a pilgrim on this journey, not just a tour guide. And I’m bringing you along because I believe that what I find might just resonate with you too. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, we can find strength in the wisdom of the past. And who knows? Maybe we’ll stumble upon answers to the big questions we’ve all been asking—together.
You can follow my journey (and maybe join me for a bit of it) by signing up at FatherRoderick.com/CelticSaints. Let’s walk this path together, discover some new insights, and maybe even have a laugh or two along the way.
Ready to dive into the wisdom of the Celtic saints with me? Let’s make this adventure one for the history books!