Page 178 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

triotism would not gain force upon the plain of services—as nearby tourists whispered, quietly
Marathon, or whose piety would not grow walked around, took photos, lit candles, or
warmer among the ruins of Iona!” prayed. We strolled along the comforting clois-
Then during the late 19th century, the 8th ters, viewed the dramatic museum's ancient
Duke of Argyll arranged to have the dilapidated stone grave slabs and crosses, the graveyard,
stone abbey restored. It finally reopened for and toured the remains of the 800-year-old nun-
worship services in 1910. Most of the other nery.
buildings were also restored in later years. As we sat on a bench near a garden of bright
In 1938, the Rev. George MacLeod of the flowers, we people-watched amid the peaceful
Church of Scotland founded the Iona Commu- surroundings. We browsed in the Iona Heritage
nity, an ecumenical Christian movement that Centre to learn more of the local history and
promotes peace and social justice. For a pre- culture, and in a few shops selling local crafts
booking fee, visitors can participate in special and jewelry. Since it was Easter Eve, I purchased
religious events for several days, residing with a silver cross necklace as a special souvenir.
others from around the world. Volunteer work- “The whole island has such a peaceful, spiri-
ers are welcome for longer periods. tual air about it,” observed tourist Anne-Marie
“Small it may be but its historical and spiritual Ringler Nicol, an American who lives in Perth,
significance is very great indeed. People have Scotland. “Labor Party Leader John Smith's
come and gone from its shores over millennia: grave was so emotive, so plain yet powerful. I
pilgrims and warriors, kings and travelers, and enjoyed walking around the island with the ab-
settlers who came to live and so helped create sence of cars. This is a place I will definitely re-
its story,” wrote E. Mairi MacArthur in “Iona.” visit.
During the few hours we spent on the island, “But,” she added, chuckling, “I did not appreci-
Carl and I enjoyed sitting on chairs in the simple, ate that the hotel bar shut at 10:30 p.m. One can
quiet, restored medieval abbey—open for daily take holiness only so far!”