THREE DAY PILGRIMAGE
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 Lough Derg pilgrimage consists of the three day Pilgrimage Fast and the Pilgrimage Exercises undertaken in bare feet at Lough Derg. Pilgrims arrive at Lough Derg between 11:00am and 3:00pm on the first day, having fasted from midnight. The traditional pilgrimage takes place generally from 1st June-15th August (inclusive), with the 13th of August being the last day to come onto the island to begin the pilgrimage. Please note that there is no need to book for the three day pilgrimage-pilgrims simply arrive any day of the week to commence their pilgrimage from June 1st-15th August. The cost is €50. Please note that the 2008 pilgrimage season will begin on May 30th. 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. |  |
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.
