Join Rainer Wälde as he sets out on a fascinating journey through Europe on the trail of the Celtic saints. Discover the origins of Christianity in Ireland and journey with the Irish monks as they embark on their great adventure through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Alternate formats: DVD - $5.99
Join Rainer Wälde as he sets out on a fascinating journey through Europe on the trail of the Celtic saints. Discover the origins of Christianity in Ireland and journey with the Irish monks as they embark on their great adventure through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Following the success of his multi-award-winning documentary film, My Journey to Life, Rainer tells the stories of four major Celtic saints, with narration by Roy Searle of the Northumbria Community. Set out with Columbanus, regarded by some as the ‘first European’, on his incredible journey that will take
him from Bangor in Northern Ireland to Bobbio in Italy.
Relive the story of his companion, Gallus, who founded a monastic cell on the banks of Lake Constance out of which emerged a great religious and cultural centre that became the present day town of St. Gallen. Receive fresh inspiration from the beautiful music and soul-stirring prayers of the Celtic tradition. Discover the great legacy of the Irish monks and ac- company Rainer on a moving journey to the source of life.
FEATURES:
French and German language tracks
The fascinating history of Celtic Christianity's spread through Ireland and the British Isles—and into Western Europe from the 6th through 8th centuries—is told in this documentary by author and filmmaker Rainer Wälde. With the story of Irish monk and missionary St. Columbanus as a narrative anchor, Wälde follows the paths and legacies of several Irish saints, showing how they brought their own brand of faith into European areas where there was often disunity among Christians (and resistance by non-Christian religions). Those spotlighted include Aidan, who established a monastery on the island of Lindisfarne; Pirmin, born in Spain but heavily influenced by the Irish in his work in the upper Rhine and Danube regions; Magnus, who set off for Bavaria; and Gallus, one of 12 missionaries who left with Columbanus for Europe but eventually broke with him. Columbanus' story begins with his leaving Bangor, Northern Ireland, in 583, determined to spend the rest of his life creating monasteries and Celtic Christian communities far and wide—which is precisely what he did in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Wälde effectively combines dramatic re-creations with comments from interviewees who explore Columbanus' impact on European history. Highly recommended.
Rainer Waldes "Blessing Europe: The Legacy of the Celtic Saints" and "My Journey to Life On the Trail of the Celtic Saints" provide excellent introductions to Celtic Christianity and spirituality. Walde is a German author and filmmaker and also someone whose life has been deeply touched by Celtic Christianity. Originally filmed in German and this should tell you something of the worldwide appeal of Celtic spirituality. These elegant and visually attractive documentaries provide over two hours of material on the major Celtic saints, and key Celtic sites all the way from Bangor, to Luxeuil, to Babbio. Walde weaves his story around Columbanus, his strict religious rule, and missionary journeys which are seen as a prototype that many other of the Celtic saints would emulate. And as Columbanus carried the gospel message across the Irish Sea and also across Europe, he left numerous monasteries and places of learning which attracted people from all social classes, and altered the face of Europe. It was in this way that the Celtic monks saved civilization. The documentaries also provide insightful introductions to other key Celtic saints such as Columba, Bridget, Aidan, Patrick, Kevin, and others. One of the best features of this series is the combination of hagiography, use of key literary texts, and music selections. All these factors contribute to provide the viewer with the sense that Celtic Christianity was a powerful and significant spiritual movement which produced beautiful things such as the Book of Kells and stone crosses, but also people of the highest caliber imaginable. These productions are of the highest quality and I highly recommend them to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Celtic saints and spirituality. Viewing these productions is time well spent.