Urban Iona: Celtic Hospitality in the City (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Urban Iona is a modern Celtic tale of healing and vision during and after the author's pilgrimage to Iona and Ireland and Scotland. Upon his return, a dream takes flesh for his church as an urban Celtic monastery, a gathering of pilgrims open to the world and serving those most in need. This is a powerful account of the author's search for his family's story, and the meaning and inspiration that story brought to his life and his ministry. Chronicled here is the author's pilgrimage to Ireland--not as a travelogue but as deep, moving, often humorous reflection on the meaning of what he discovered there. More important, the book chronicles the author's efforts to put into action the unique brand of Celtic spirituality he took away from his pilgrimage, in the form of Brigid's Table, a ministry to prostitutes and other marginalized people in the inner city of Portland, Oregon. Also included are suggestions for applying this spirituality in other parishes, other places, and other lives.

About the Author

Kurt Neilson is an Episcopal priest and a former Roman Catholic monk of the Claretian missionary order. He is rector of an inner-city parish in Portland, Oregon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing (February 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819222348
• ISBN-13: 978-0819222343
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #362,835 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REALISTIC, HUMOROUS AND INSPIRATIONAL, April 7, 2007

By	Lenora L. Brown "Happy Reader" (Portland, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a "winner"! Fr. Kurt Neilson is the Rector of the Episcopal Church I attend in Portland, OR. As a member of his congregation, I've been priveleged to hear magic in his 'sermons' that make deep, lasting impressions in his parishinors hearts and leave us spell-bound. By reading "URBAN IONA", I've discovered that Father Kurt, in addition to having a 'verbal' talent for 'story-telling' with the 'gift of the gab', is also an accomplished author. I highly recommend it to people of all faiths, and readers who have an interest in Celtic History of Religions and Mythology. IT'S A GOOD READ!
Urban Iona: Celtic Hospitality in the CityUrban Iona: Celtic Hospitality in the City

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DIGEST THIS BOOK - DON'T DEVOUR IT, April 12, 2007

By	Big brother Rick "Big brother Rick" (Texas) - See all my reviews

Kurt Neilson is my one younger brother. We are from a family of six sons. I thought I knew all there was to know about him, until I read Urban Iona. I was privileged to spend a weekend with him in Ireland during his pilgrammage and learned so much from and about him there. I learned more reading his book. On one level it is the search for part of our heritage, but more importantly it chronicles the process by which he and the members of his parish took this experience and applied it in a personal and community way. There are many sound bites (my copy is filled with "yellow stickees" marking the pages) but its strength lies in the coherent message of applied, inclusive Christianity being lived by him, his family and his parish family. I am so proud of him for having the courage to bare his soul in such a public way.

And the members of Saints Peter and Paul have done their namesakes proud. When we hear the phrase "team work" most of us picture a long pass in a stadium filled with people. Perhaps, after reading Urban Iona, we will picture the good people of Saints Peter and Paul and those from neighboring parishes who have joined them. Reference the mobile dental lab. Applied Christianity with a capital "C".

This is a book to be read and digested, not devoured. There is a message for us all here. Take the time to listen to it, and as I have done, listen again. You will be amazed at how loud the silence can be. It is inspirational in a very, very personal way. I believe there is more to come from Father/brother Kurt. I, for one, can't wait.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Journey, March 5, 2008

By	Aaron Brown (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This was a very enjoyable book for me on several levels. First off, I feel fortunate to know the author. I have known him to be a wonderful family man, kind and spiritual. But what was fun for me was that I learned through his story-telling that he has a "spit-fire" nature as well.
Secondly, being of Irish decent, I too have a desire to visit Ireland. However, I did not grow up with such strong emotional tales of family history. Through Kurt's stories I felt transported along with him back to a place I hope to one day venture as well. There were times that I felt as if I were right there sitting next to him, taking in the beauty of the land and the mysteries of history.
Finally, through his book I learned more about his efforts along with others in his church to help our community. I am reminded through their efforts that there are many ways in which we can and should help.
Kurt, Thank you for sharing your pilgrimage through "Urban Iona"