Residential Prayer Centres in the Diocese
Iona Catholic House of Prayer
‘Cnoc a’ Chalmain’, the ‘Hill of the Dove’, is the Roman Catholic House of Prayer on Iona. In 1991 the Colmcille Trust was established by Mary Burn-Murdoch and the Trustees purchased the house ‘Kilona’ in 1996, occupying land which had stunning views over the sound of Iona towards Mull.
The House of Prayer was designed by Charles Hughes and built by Norman MacDonald of Tobermory. It was officially opened by Archbishop Keith O’Brien in the spring of 1997, the 1400th anniversary year of St Columba’s death on Iona.
Cnoc a' Chalmain provides a peaceful place of prayer for all pilgrims in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Cnoc a' Chalmain also offers a unique opportunity for a single room stay on Iona, with the possibility of sharing in the ecumenical services of the island.
Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer
Originally a Hunting Lodge, Craig Lodge is now a family house of prayer that seeks to welcome those who are 'hunting' for the Lord, thirsty and hungry to know him better.
The grounds, nestled in Glen Orchy and surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, provide a number of beautiful 'rooms,' both indoor and outdoor, in which to discover God's presence - be it through communal worship in the Chapel in the House; a quiet moment of personal prayer in the Oasis of Peace; a walk in the Wood; in the ascent of the Hill and the Way of the Cross marked on the way up; in the atmosphere of charity given by the presence of the Mary's Meals Shed on site; or even in the appreciation of creation in the gardens.
