Lough Derg

Glenman

I was wondering have any of ye ever visited Lough Derg or St Patrick’s Purgatory in Pettigo Co. Donegal. I made my second pilgrimage in this special place last weekend. It’s a three day pilgrimage which involves fasting from midnight of the first day to midnight of the third day with one Lough Derg meal allowed per day.
I was well prepared for the pilgrimage as I’d heard many testimonies from my Mum who has often made it but wasn’t sure how I’d feel after completing it. I have to say that it makes you feel like a new person more understanding and patient and it was well worth while and I’d highly recommend it to anyone. 162 of us arrived on the small island in the middle of the lake by boat including young and old, rich and not so rich but bare footed all are equal, caring and understanding here. I also met many special people on my two visits.

For details visit www.loughderg.org

Here is an experience of one pilgrim,
“To experience a modest form of discomfort, away from mobile phones, cameras, TV, noise in an atompshere of peace and quiet, sharing with neighbours from far and near, guided, helped and listened to by people whose only interest is our welfare and happiness and above all coming closer to the wonderful gift of our Faith and the Friend who is always with us in good times and bad.
Will I go back next year, as the person who started it all for me said ' I will not look forward to it, but I hope I will have the good sense to go for all the good it does me”

BrianCalgary

I'm wondering are the three days regimented or do you have the freedom to pray and contemplate and sleep as God sees fit?

Thanks for the report.

Glenman

Yes, before you take the boat to the island you’re given a leaflet at reception which you can follow, however, all the exercises are optional and you can follow your own spiritual exercise. However from what I could see most pilgrims follow the leaflet. You must however keep to the basic rules of removing footwear while on the island and not using any personal devices such as mobile phones and not using chewing gum.
There are four masses to attend 6.30 both am and pm.
The masses are beautiful with lovely music and singing with wonderful sermons.
I arrived around 2pm on Friday; there are nine stations to complete over the three days. Three of these are done on the first days outside on the penitential beds; each station of prayer takes around an hour.
The 24 hour vigil begins at 10pm on the first night and ends at 10pm on the second night, the pilgrim may not sleep during this period. Of course some people find this difficult and many sleep in the side seats of the Basilica, however the dormitories are locked. Four stations are completed on the first night together inside the Basilica.
The second day is a quiet day with only one station to complete outside. There are numerous optional services throughout the second day including confession, renewal of baptismal promises and Stations of the Cross. During the second day, the pilgrim can relax and enjoy the beautiful view and peacefulness and meditate. It’s great to get away from the hussle & bussel of everyday life.
At 10pm on the second night the vigil candle is extinguished and the pilgrims go to bed for 8 hours rising for 6.30am mass on the last morning.
There is one station to complete on the last day either inside or outside, the boats leave the island around 10am that morning. The fast continues until midnight that night but the pilgrim can drink soft drinks after leaving the island.

Lunoma

Oh, that sounds really nice! I might be visiting an island too for meditation. It is run by the Hare Krishna. They are like Buddhists a bit. It isn't Christian but it is just spiritual so people of all religions and denominations can go. I think the island is on Lough Earn in Fermanagh. I'm not sure. It would be nice to have some peacfulness, relaxation and spirituality for a weekend but you have to fast too!

My grandmother's friend used to go on Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. she doesn't go anymore as it is very dangerous these days.

the clansman

i will try to go there some day...not because i think its going to get me to heaven or anything religious....i dunno i just want to see if i can manage it

BrianCalgary

Thanks Glenman. It sounds peaceful. later in July we are off to a ranch in the mountains of Idaho. No phones, satellites or computers. just our family, the hosts and wildlife. A great time for rest, relaxation and pray.

Blessings
Brian

Lough Derg sounds a wee bit rigorous. You would have to be pretty special to endure it.

Glenman

Just so as you know, Lough Derg is open to people of all religions, not just Catholics. I met a number of Protestants out there. Hope some of ye will go there one day, it is a great challenge and you will be glad you tried it.

Slan anus Beannacht