Bardsey Island has a long and deep spiritual history
Bardsey Island has a long and deep spiritual history. Monks lived and prayed on the island for over a thousand years. In more recent times, many people of profound faith have been associated with this special place.
Visitors to the island can see the fragmentary remains of the thirteenth century abbey of the Augustinian Canons who took over from the ancient Celtic foundation of the sixth century. The roofless tower has been adapted for those wishing to hold informal services in the open air.
Nearby a Celtic cross stands commemorating the now mostly Christian religious past and very numerous, 20,000, saints reputed to have been buried in or near the site.
In 1875 a chapel was built by Lord Newborough and remains open for the purposes of worship and meditation.
Full moon over thrift
Clouds gather over enlli
Pilgrimages
If you are fortunate to embark over the Sound in the fog or sunshine, as you pass under the shadow of Pen Cristin and turn for Cafn, a feeling of peace engulfs you. Is this because of the many pilgrims who have come before you, or is it something else?
It has been a place of pilgrimage since the medieval period, and continues to draw pilgrims from all over the world.
Bardsey is the final destination of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way , and a significant stage of many other personal journeys of faith. For those visiting just for the day, there is a short pilgrimage route which can be followed as a way of exploring the island, pausing for reflection at symbolic places such as the lighthouse, the abbey ruins and the holy well. Those who stay longer are also welcome to join the informal ‘pilgrim prayers’, held in the oratory on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, which invite us to pause on our life’s journey and ‘learn the unforced rhythms of grace’.
If you want more information on pilgrimage, please download our booklet
Bardsey is an island there is no going / to but in a small boat the way / the saints went.
RS Thomas, Pilgrimages
Overlooking Bardsey Sound
Retreats
Bardsey Island is one of those ‘thin places’ where the closeness of eternity is felt. Perfect for those seeking spiritual refreshment, whether for a few days of quiet personal contemplation or taking part in an organised retreat.
Bardsey is a place where we can sense that ‘prayer has been valid’ (T.S. Eliot). Regular short services are hosted in the chapel and oratory, in addition to the untold opportunities for private prayer amidst the island’s natural beauty. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, visitors are invited to discover the freedom to pray, read, meditate, discuss, walk, write, draw, sing, explore, beachcomb… in other words, to do whatever is appropriate to recharge their spiritual batteries.
Ynys Enlli is a lesson in humility. Even before we get there, we surrender control to the elements. It is a prayer-soaked 'Island of 20,000 saints'. Medieval exaggeration perhaps, but perhaps that is why the tradition of pilgrimage, now getting a resurgence in popularity, is so compelling here. We can trace the call to a 'journey of the heart' from the early Celtic saints. Chaplains stand on the shoulders of giants, in this 'thin place' where the barrier between heaven and earth is lowered.
Eryl Parry
Chaplain
Chaplaincy
There is a chaplain on the island during the summer months as part of an ecumenical scheme co-ordinated by the Spirituality Committee of the Bardsey Island Trust.
The chaplain arranges and publicises services in the chapel and oratory, as well as being available for quiet conversation with day visitors and those staying on the island. This is an important and rewarding voluntary service. Anyone considering applying to be a chaplain is invited to consult the job description, and to fill and submit an application form.
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