I RETURNED home in the early hours of this morning. I have spent the past five weeks or so visiting all 25 parishes that make up the Catholic Diocese of Argyll and the Isles.
My route took me from Oban, all through the Western Isles, Inner Hebrides, Lochaber, Argyll, Badenoch, right down to the Clydeside islands and towns. It was an epic and varied journey taking thousands of miles by road and boat. In each parish I celebrated Mass, met with the priest and parishioners, and enjoyed pastoral tasks such as visiting the housebound, hospitals, schools and houses. I certainly put on a few pounds with the Highland hospitality!
My trip was tiring but very uplifting. I frequently marvelled at the beauty of God’s Creation while also humbly submitting to its power of wind and snow!