Scotland and the Second Yes

A few weeks ago, I had written about a married couple that, years ago (1988) had become a critical support for the tours of the Notre Dame Folk Choir.  That "yes" by two very charitable, gracious people led to more than a generation of pilgrimages to Ireland.

But the story wouldn't be complete unless we cross the Irish Sea, and examine our travels and spiritual trajectory in Scotland.  And once again, it was a married couple that opened up the doors to a country and a culture.  I write about them because they were the guiding hand to our journey to Iona over the past few days.

The year was 2007 and out of the blue one day, on the campus of Notre Dame, I received an inquisitive email from someone across the pond.  Her name was Maureen Bruce, and at the time she was working with a small choir in the suburbs of Edinburgh.  Somehow, she had gotten her hands on the score for Psalm 104: Send Forth Your Spirit, O Lord.  She was taking a chance, and (so she thought) being rather forward in asking, but by any chance was I the chap who had written this piece of music?

What then commenced was a rather extraordinary exchange of messages.  I conveyed that I was, indeed, the lunatic behind the song; I also explained that our choir was coming over to Ireland the following year, and might she be interested in a crowd of Yanks invading her parish?

To say Maureen was "gobsmacked" by this proposal would be rather accurate.  But once again, doors began to open.  Her parish at the time (Saint Kentigern's) became a base of operations and a hub of liturgical music for our days in Edinburgh.  It was also on this journey to Scotland that a formative ministry was hatched within the choir's circle – the notion of a postgraduate year or two of service in the field of music and ministry.  Inspired, in part, by the encouragements of Carolyn Pirtle, then a member of our ensemble, that program became known as Teach Bhríde, the House of Brigid.  It is still alive and a vital part of Newman University Church's operations in Dublin – now a fifteen year old program.

This second "yes" led to even more relationships – with the archdiocesan offices of Edinburgh; with the Sisters of Mercy (who faithfully fed hundreds of people a day in the downtown area); with Greyfriars Kirk; with the men and women who continued to cultivate Ecumenical dialogue, encouraged by the Church of Scotland; with St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral; and finally, with Broombridge's Church of St. Joseph, an incredible community committed to bringing the faith to many marginalized people in the area.  Each time we visited, there were beautiful evenings of song and dance, and as always, the welcome of host families.

As you are wont to say, Maureen: "Lang may yer lum reek!"  May your own commitment to the Church bring you a personal sense of joy and reward.  You assured, in your own humble way, the successful visits, over more than a decade, of dozens of college evangelists – an achievement that would challenge an entire staff to accomplish.

We were honored to be in your company on our first pilgrimage to Iona.  And no better companions than you and your good spouse.