St Hildegards at the Wild Goose Festival
Monday, 25 July 2011 19:23
By Francesca Wigle, TSSF
“The Wild Goose is a Celtic metaphor for the Holy Spirit. We are followers of Jesus creating a festival of justice, spirituality, music and the arts. The festival is rooted in the Christian tradition and therefore open to all regardless of belief, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, denomination or religious affiliation.”
“In adopting the image of the Wild Goose we recognize that in the current climate of religious, social and political cynicism, embracing the creative and open nature of our faith is perhaps our greatest asset for re-building and strengthening our relationships with each other, with our enemies, with our stories, our texts, and the earth. In that spirit, in a festive setting, and in the context of meaningful, respectful, and sustained relationships, we invite you to create with us!”
Francesca with Jim Wallis
When I read the above description of what the Wild Goose Festival was about, I felt blessed to be able to join Judith and Kevin to take the spirit of St. Hildegard's, St. George's, and Franciscans to this wondrous event. Being part of a gathering of individuals longing for a new way to join together to celebrate justice, spirituality, music and the arts was absolutely amazing.
The festival took place out in the countryside in North Carolina. There was a main stage, a place for storytelling and performance, a place for talks, a coffee barn, a geodesic dome made of tree limbs, a peace garden, a social justice gazebo, and an outdoor film screen. Choosing which wondrous event to attend was challenging! Among the presenters, Franciscan Father Richard Rohr, from the Center for Action and Contemplation , Jim Wallis of Sojourners, Vincent Harding (associate of the late Dr. Marin Luther King), Phyllis Tickle, Paul Knitter, John Dear of Fellowship of Reconciliation, Abdullah Antepli, Brian McClaren, Mark Scandrette , Rabbi Or Rose, Becca Stevens (founder of Magdalene/Thistle Farms), June Keener Wink (wife of theologian Walter Wink), musicians David Lamotte, Jennifer Knapp, and Michelle Shocked ...... and the list goes on.
There was a spirit of camaraderie and openness at each event. I met some amazing people, and the time there truly inspired me. Parents brought their children and there was a large area for the kids to gather together to play, create, and share stories. There were folks of all ages. Most people camped out. One of my favorite experiences was meeting a young Baptist lady who had a big tattoo of St. Francis on her arm!
As the weekend continued, I began to feel (and continue to feel), HOPE for a world where we can all get along, share our thoughts, work together for peace and justice for everyone, worship together, let music fill our souls, and find ways to take care of our beloved planet. Judith came back to Austin with a real sense of awe for Becca Stevens, who started the non-profit, Magdalene/Thistle Farms, for women who have survived prostitution, addiction and incarceration. Becca has visited nine cities and women's prison as part of the Find Your Way Home Prison Tour. The tour has been based on two principles - that love is the most powerful source for social change and that women can begin to create their own communities of healing wherever they are. They make natural bath and body products that are as good for the earth as they are for the body. This was the first Wild Goose Festival in the United States. “Wild Goose Festival is going to grow into the largest, best run, most dynamic religious happening in the U.S.” I would say that those who were able to attend would agree with that statement!
Walter Wink with wife June (behind), Francesca, and Judith Liro
