Feature 1 May 2009 | Lough Derg - Place of Pilgrimage

Lough Derg, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Europe, offers an exciting programme of events for 2009. More details here, as well as an interview with Bishop Joseph Duffy, Bishop of Clogher, about Lough Derg.

Video introduction In this short video interview, Bishop Joseph Duffy, Bishop of Clogher, speaks to Mgr Liam McDaid about the significance of Lough Derg for Christians throughout history, and its enduring appeal to pilgrims today. Get the Flash Player to see this player. About Lough Derg St Patrick's Purgatory, Lough Derg, is among the oldest centres of Christian Pilgrimage in Western Europe, supposedly dating back to the sixth century. Lough Derg lies about four miles north of the village of Pettigo in County Donegal, in the Diocese of Clogher. Station Island, the location of the Pilgrimage, is often referred to as Saint Patrick’s Purgatory or simply Lough Derg. This is a special place of peace and personal challenge. This small lake-island, renowned in Irish Christian tradition since the time of St Patrick, has been receiving pilgrims continuously for well over 1,000 years. Its importance in medieval times is indicated by the fact that it was among the principal landmarks on maps of Ireland. It was, for example, the only Irish site named on a world map of 1492. The pilgrimage was very popular among Europeans at that time and there are records of pilgrims having travelled from Hungary (1363 and 1411), France (1325, 1397 and 1516), Italy (1358 and 1411) and Holland (1411 and 1494). The association of the name of St Patrick with Lough Derg dates back as far as records go and the legends that link him with the place point to a tradition already firmly established by the twelfth century. While in a cave on the island, Patrick is said to have had a vision of the punishments of Hell. Hence the place came to be known as St Patrick's Purgatory. About the pilgrimage In former times the emphasis was more on the physical penance and hardship of the pilgrimage exercises. Nowadays those who make the pilgrimage see it as a grace-filled opportunity to get away from the stress of modern-day living. They talk about the cleansing value of fasting and see the intensive and concentrated nature of the routine as giving opportunities for prioritising values and being physically and spiritually renewed. They find that the particular prayer-form, which they often refer to as 'body-prayer', is very satisfying and expresses in a non-verbal way what they often cannot put into words.
Walking barefoot serves to emphasise what all have in common and creates a greater awareness of community. This is particularly effective in the celebration of liturgies on the island. The Sacrament of Reconciliation has always been and still is, very central to this penitential pilgrimage. Its celebration each morning in the Basilica is a moment of joy and hope for penitents and priests alike. However it is the Eucharist that most pilgrims experience as the high point of their pilgrimage. The liturgy of the Roman Missal is given full expression, with excellent response from pilgrims. Young people have key roles in the welcoming and music ministries. Throughout the season pilgrims are offered opportunities for spiritual direction and a counselling service is provided for any who wish to avail of it.	Download 2009 season guide for full details
The traditional Three-Day Pilgrimage and One-Day Retreats are now complemented by Family Days, Quiet Days, exciting special events and a new series of workshops as part of the the Lough Derg "With You on Life's Journey" series. The 2009 season runs from the end of April to the end of September. Dates of 2009 events at Lough Derg ... Contact Monsignor Richard Mohan (Prior) St Patrick's Purgatory Lough Derg Pettigo Co Donegal Ireland Tel/Fax: +353 71 9861518 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.loughderg.org

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