|
Tonight, we bring you the last post of our ‘Pause and Ponder in November’ series during which we have remembered and prayed for our deceased relatives and friends, and all who have died. The crosses on the island remind us of the cross of the crucifixion and the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us. They remind us too of the crosses we bear in life. Josh Treacy prays in a special way tonight for all the bereaved who bear the heavy cross of sadness and loneliness. The Lough Derg pilgrim cannot but notice the many crosses on the Island. St Patrick’s Cross, where every station on the Three Day Pilgrimage begins and ends, is the oldest artefact on the island dating from the 9th century. Pilgrims pray at St Brigid’s Cross, at the crosses in the centre of the beds and before the great Sanctuary Cross in the Basilica. Many have had the privilege of carrying the pilgrim cross in procession at Mass or during the Way of the Cross. The cross of the crucifixion reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us. It reminds us too of the crosses that each of us bear in our own lives.
During this month of November we remember all our dead and pray that they now rest in perfect eternal peace in their heavenly home. However, tonight we especially pray for those left behind; those who now bear the heavy cross of bereavement, of sadness and of loneliness. May they find comfort in the loving arms of Jesus, for the Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Amen. Tonight, Maureen reflects on the importance of the contribution of staff to the mission and ministry of Lough Derg. It is their dedication that ensures the welcoming pilgrim experience that Lough Derg is renowned for. We invite you to join with Maureen in praying for all deceased staff of Lough Derg. Welcome is the first of our Lough Derg values. We sincerely hope that every pilgrim to Lough Derg experiences that welcome from all staff that they meet: at reception, on the boats, in the kitchen, the shop, First Aid or the Basilica. The pilgrim experience could not be as it is without a dedicated team of staff, a dedication which has been particularly evident during the current pandemic.
And so tonight we pray for all deceased staff of Lough Derg. We give thanks for their commitment and dedication and pray that the peace of their heavenly home is a just reward for their contribution to the mission and ministry of Lough Derg. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them; may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. For this second week of November, Davog McCaffrey brings another beautiful reflection to our Pause and Ponder in November series, focusing on the Island’s images of Our Lady. As a symbol of motherhood and family, Mary evokes prayers for all our deceased family members. Our Lady has a special place on Lough Derg. The little church beside the pier is dedicated to her: Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels.
She greets us as we make our way along the path towards the Basilica. The beautiful icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help reminds us that she is indeed someone we can turn to in times of need. She is the mother of Jesus and the mother of us all. She is a major symbol of family. Tonight we remember all family members who have died; the mothers who gave birth to us and nurtured us, the fathers who guided us and provided for us; we remember deceased grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. In a special way we remember all children who have died, now singing with the angels. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them; may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Friends, the first reflection in our new ‘Pause and Ponder in November’ series is brought to you this evening, All Saints' Day, by Mary. Focusing on images of pilgrims praying on the Penitential Beds on Station Island, we invite you to join in prayer for our ancestors. Believed to be the remnants of beehive cells of the early monks, the Penitential Beds are central to the Station Prayer of the three day pilgrimage. Thousands of pilgrims have walked and prayed on the Beds over the centuries. Many of our ancestors who made the pilgrimage before us trod barefoot on these ancient stones invoking the saints, seeking answer to their prayers.
This November night we bring to mind, not only our ancestors who made the Lough Derg pilgrimage, but all our ancestors who have gone before us to their heavenly home. We pray that they are now at peace among the saints. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them; may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Friends, many of you have welcomed our recent announcement of the new 'Pause and Ponder in November' series, which begins next Monday evening. Here, Mary introduces you to the new reflections which will use familiar images of the Island. Our new series will be brought to you by Mary and other friends of Lough Derg and we hope it will invoke many memories of your visits to the island, and of your departed loved ones who may have come to Lough Derg with you or before you. The first reflection will be posted next week on Monday 1st November. We would love for you to join us. Blessings |
|
Lough Derg
Sanctuary of Saint Patrick Pettigo County Donegal F94 PC60 |
Phone: +353 (0) 71 9861518
|
Email: [email protected]
|