An American Seminarian Reflects

Connor Lynch, a Seminarian for the Diocese of Des Moines  , in the state of Iowa in the United States, spent three weeks on Lough Derg as part of his summer placement from the Pontifical North American College in Rome where he is studying for the Priesthood. 

Here Connor, reflects on his time spent volunteering  on Station Island and undertaking the Three Day PIlgrimage:
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During my time volunteering and participating in the pilgrimage at Lough Derg, I came to realise how special of a place it really is and its importance in the modern world. Lough Derg was often said by both frequenting pilgrims and staff alike that it is a "thin" place. What does this "thinness" mean? Lough Derg is a place where grace and the works of God are particularly revealed - essentially, the veil is lifted just that much more. During my time at Lough Derg I encountered many pilgrims and, in talking with them, noticed how "thin" of a place it really is. There were many instances where the words that God wanted to tell me flowed out of the mouths of these pilgrims. As a volunteer, I had ample time to pray and read. During one of these times, I read in a book a short quote by St. Ignatius of Loyola emphasising that those who are fortunate enough to experience consolation should do all they can to lower themselves. I think the Lough Derg pilgrimage is a great example of living out this insightful quote by a wise and holy saint. Upon reflection, one realises how grace-filled life is and how magnificent of a gift it is from God. To have friends, a family, even to exist at the present moment. All of these consolations and gifts we often, and quite regrettably, take for granted. What the Lough Derg pilgrimage does is that it helps the pilgrim forgo some simple consolations in life (food, water, and sleep to name a few) for the spiritual health of themselves or for others. In this way, I found Lough Derg to play an important role in the modern world. I believe, and have seen, that many people don't realise the significance of their sins and that a certain purification process needs to be undergone before they enter the gates of Heaven. In this light, Lough Derg for centuries has been a place of great hope. People can go to Lough Derg and participate in the pilgrimage to renew their relationship with God. In denying bodily desires, the penitent on pilgrimage realises how precious these gifts of life are. In this "thin" and low place, God lifts the veil of the penitent's sight to reveal to them how merciful He really is and how much grace he desires to infuse into their life if only they give him just a seed of their time and desires. At Lough Derg I surrendered to God comfortability and in return our relationship was renewed and deepened. Entering this upcoming Jubilee year, Pope Francis has called for it to be a year of Hope. In the eyes of the world, Lough Derg seems to be a place of punishment and sadness. Oh how far this is from the truth! Lough Derg is a place of Hope for the Lord desires to renew our burdened spirits. All we must do is give him our "Yes". "Yes Lord, I will go on pilgrimage because I need your mercy. I need your peace". I encourage all to go to Lough Derg to experience a renewed vision and relationship with the Lord and to experience authentic rest.