THREE DAY PILGRIMAGE
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The tradition of the Lough Derg pilgrimage entails fasting, walking barefoot, and keeping continuously awake for a period of 24 hours. This centuries old practice still exists today allowing people to, in a sense, pray with their whole body - "This is my body, I give for you". The Pilgrimage Exercises are made up of a prayer sequence called a "Station". This is a well-known Celtic form of prayer, involving physical movement accompanied by 'mantra type' prayers. Nine Stations are completed on Lough Derg over the three day period. Five Stations are made in the open air on the 'Penitential Beds' while pilgrims say the prayers of a further Four Stations together in the Basilica during their first night. |
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The central penitential exercise of the Pilgrimage is the Vigil; each pilgrim stays completely and continuously awake for 24 hours, starting at 10pm on the first day. Morning and Evening Mass are celebrated in St. Patrick's Basilica each day as well as other liturgies throughout the second day of the pilgrimage when there is also time for personal reflection. Pilgrims have one "Lough Derg Meal" of dry toast or oatcakes and black tea or coffee on each of the three days of the Pilgrimage.
2010 Three Day Pilgrimages
You may begin your pilgrimage on any day of the week from
Tuesday 1st June until 15th August 2010.
Advance Booking is not necessary.
Cost €55 includes boat fare and accommodation.
Organized Pilgrimages:
