Fr La’s weekly Pause and Ponder series reflects tonight on our ninth Lough Derg value: Hope. “Those who hope in the Lord renew their strength” Blessings

Value 9: Hope

Among our nine Lough Derg values, it seemed appropriate that hope should be the one to conclude the series: “Hope that another new beginning is always possible, and that grace will lead us home.”

As the pilgrim returns from the quarry towards St Brigid’s Well, the path emerges from the pines to a panorama over the lough. The recent snow is slow to clear from the homeward stretch of the path ahead.

As my eyes scan the view of Station Island and its sisters and on to the mainland, i pick out the St Davog, moored there at the pier.

I recall that our posters outlining the programme and dates for the 2022 Season are with the printers this very week, and my heart lifts with hope for the pilgrims who will board the boats, please God, in the months ahead.

We pause with our own hopes for new beginnings, and we ponder God’s amazing grace and savour the word of the prophet: “Those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.”

Watch Fr La reflect on the eighth Lough Derg value ‘Healing’ here

Keep up to date regularly with Lough Derg here