Fàilte,

Welcome to ‘Scriptorium Aotearoa’ in Aotearoa New Zealand. A scriptorium is more than a place of writing or creating books. In her book ‘The Medieval Scriptorium’, Sara J. Charles concludes that the charism of a scriptorium is prayerful writing.  Iona, Durrow and Lindisfarne were renown early medieval centres of prayerful writing. Their inspiration and influence inspired a way of life in across the following centuries. Peter, Abbot of Cluny [1094-1157] wrote:

“Let the hand be applied to the pen in place of the plough; let the page be sown in divine letters instead of cultivating the field. Let seeds of the Word of God be sown on paper, which, when ripe-that is, when the books are finished – may fill the hungry reader with manifold fruit and appease the longing after heavenly bread. Thus truely shall you become a silent preacher of the Word of God, and though your tongue be silent, your hand shall sound in the ear of many nations with a loud voice.”

Today this way of life continues in different places around the world. These are writers, artists, calligraphers and bookbinders who follow the call of An Gèadh Fiadhaich. Mar sin bitheadh! Scriptorium Aotearoa’s call to work is inspired by the Celtic Saints who artistically crafted Crois Chill Daltain, A cross that speaks into today’s world. 

Poet Craig Roberts, a member of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, writes from Aotearoa New Zealand. Craig introduces himself below- click on the links below.

Before each writing finds its way to you, it has its own prayerful voyage. They become available in book form and others will soon be available as liturgical readings and prayerful meditations available online.