As an ancient place of pilgrimage, Lough Derg is proud to announce its participation in the 'Pilgrim Passport' project, a unique and historic collaboration with Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick to mark Jubilee Year 2025. 
 
This special year, declared by Pope Francis as a time of great celebration and spiritual renewal, presents the perfect opportunity for Lough Derg to join forces with Ireland's other two major pilgrimage sites nominated by the Irish Bishops as destinations for pilgrims during the Jubilee Year 2025. The 'Pilgrim Passport' is a bespoke booklet that encourages visitors to embark and reflect on a spiritual journey across Ireland, exploring the country's rich heritage and deep-rooted faith. 
 
"We are delighted to partner with our friends at Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick to bring this unique initiative to life," said Monsignor La Flynn, Prior of Lough Derg. "The Pilgrim Passport invites individuals to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with their spiritual roots amidst the beauty and tranquillity of Ireland's sacred landscapes."
 
As part of the project, pilgrims visiting each of the three sites can receive a stamp in their passport, serving as a poignant reminder of their journey. At Lough Derg, the annual schedule of One Day Retreats, the Three Day Pilgrimage, and other opportunities for pilgrimage will take place through Jubilee Year 2025, tying into the theme of the Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope”. 

"Lough Derg has been a place of pilgrimage with roots that go back for 1,500 years, and we are honoured to be part of this historic partnership," added Monsignor Flynn. "We look forward to welcoming pilgrims from far and wide as they undertake this spiritual journey across Ireland." 
 
The 'Pilgrim Passport' is now available at Lough Derg, Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick, or can be downloaded and printed at home from www.pilgrimpassport.ie. 

We also welcome all walking / rambler groups who wish to experience the Path. 
 
Free Event  |   Booking Required    |    Donations Welcome
 
Email   [email protected]  or telephone   +353 (0)71 986 1518    for booking info.
 
Further date to  join us for our Lakeshore  Pilgrimage along the Pilgrim Path  on Sunday 31st September are   available to book on our website  here.

On Friday 25th October, Father La was joined by Mickey Harte and our Draw Administrator, Lorraine to choose the 6 winning tickets in the grand final draw for 2024.

Our thanks to all those who buy and sell tickets.

Main Prize Draw
       
1st        €10,000                      E Sutton, Tipperary 

2nd       €5,000                        O Gallagher, Antrim            

3rd       €2,000                        K Cully, Dublin

4th       €1,500                        J McLoughlin, Wicklow       

5th       €1,000                        A Simmons, Donegal
​
6th       €500                           M Hagan, Antrim

Deacon Martin reflects...

​Connection - Light Switch or Smoke Detector?

Have you taken a quiet moment recently to think about your relationship with God?  If not, I invite you to do so and summarise it in one of two ways. Here are two simple descriptors to choose from:

Is the relationship like   A 'Light Switch' or A 'Smoke Detector'?

If your relationship is like the 'Light Switch' you find that you only converse with God in times of dire need. Seeking His help in a time of distress or anxiety because the routine of life is so busy and all else seems to have failed is the switch 'on' moment. 
When things are going well, you feel so self-sufficient and content you switch 'off' that connection.  When the darkness of bereavement, illness, addiction, anxiety, depression, abuse, poverty or injustice strike and all beyond your control, then in desperation you return to switch 'On' and petition for help and connection is temporarily restored. After the problem is resolved, you switch off again.

​Or

Is your relationship like a ' Smoke Detector', which is always on and alert. It is ever aware of the presence of God, recognising that God is present in the 'ordinary' things, even the most mundane tasks in life. He dwells within you and guides your steps. As the detector is sensitive to danger, God is ever present to protect you from harm. If you accidently switch it off, it will alert you to restore the connection quickly. God forgives unconditionally and instantly. Keeping connectivity allows you to trust knowing that God is in control.
Why not make a commitment to stay connected every day. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t connect right away or if you accidently break the link.  Connection can be restored so keep at it. If you are desiring that connection, know that God desires it even more. It’s only a matter of time before you maintain a glorious connection- Always on and alert.

United in Prayer for Peace

On October 7, 2024, Catholics across the world prayed the Holy Rosary for peace in the world and the success of the Jubilee Year 2025. Inspired by Pope Francis' call for a global "symphony of prayer," this initiative saw the Rosary recited across the globe at 7pm local time.

Fr. La and members of the Lough Derg team gathered with 40 others in Saint Mary's Church, Pettigo.