Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry, made this statement before departing to Lourdes on Tuesday 1st July with a group of 365 pilgrims, the group included 70 young people. 

Bishop McKeown said, “I, along with many from our group, have just completed a three day pilgrimage to Lough Derg. This was an important part of our prayerful preparation for Lourdes. Our annual pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine is an important element in helping us rediscover the joy of both conversion and mission.”

Bishop McKeown led the Three Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg for the youth of the Derry Diocese on Saturday 28th July 2014