Hope Shines Through as Lough Derg Launches Biggest Ever Season (Updated 14th March 2011)

Despite a very blustery day, a large crowd gathered on a remote Island in Donegal, in a spirit of friendship and prayer-432 to be precise-a rather significant number on this Island, known as St. Patrick’s Purgatory-given that this was the year (432 AD) that Patrick himself was sent to Ireland as Bishop.

 

Lough Derg had invited people from different churches to come along and experience the sanctity and camaraderie this special Donegal Island offers-and it was evident that people were embracing the occasion of friendship with so many smiling faces despite the less than sunny weather.  The event was a great success with Bishop Ken Clarke, Church of Ireland Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh giving the keynote address to a packed Basilica.  Bishop Ken encouraged those who were present to find ‘a new heart’ during this Lenten period-within ourselves and within the Church.

 

Despite Lough Derg being at least 1000 years, they are not afraid of embracing technology with this special Ash Wednesday Service being streamed live to the World Wide Web-a first for this place of pilgrimage.

 

A great atmosphere of warmth and sincerity pervaded the Island on Wednesday, with people from all over the country travelling to a part of this unique service. Students from a local high school were also on hand and helped welcome people.

 

After the Prayer service, visitors were able to enjoy a light lunch together, and an opportunity to explore the Island, and enjoy some quiet time.

 

The 2011 season at Lough Derg could not have been given a better start with the One-Day Retreats commencing on the 1^st of May and the traditional three day pilgrimage beginning on 1^st June. There is much on offer in this year including Mother & Daughter Retreats, Father & Son Retreats, Family Days, and a series of ‘Life’s Journey’s’ Workshops which hope to again attract people from all denominations. If anyone would like a copy of this year’s Season Guide brimming with pilgrimage and retreat opportunities contact  info@loughderg.org  or call 0719861518 (from NI 028 68632391).

 

Browse through some photographs of the event, or why not watch Bishop Clarke's address now.