The idea of going on “pilgrimage” to Ballaghaderreen is not something we’d normally speak about!
We associate pilgrimage with Religious sites like Knock, Croagh Patrick or Lough Derg. Maybe even more-so with The Holy Land, Lourdes etc. The word “pilgrimage” is accurate in the setting of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. In the past when Holy Years were called people were invited to make “pilgrimage” to Rome and enter the Holy Door at St Peter’s or perhaps another Basilica in Rome.
Pope Francis however, believed such journeys unnecessary and though people are welcome to go to Rome, he decided that every diocese should have its own “HOLY DOOR” for the Jubilee of Mercy. With that in mind, one of the doors in our Cathedral has been so designated and there’s an invitation to us all to visit and pray around this Holy Door.
As a diocese we are invited to do this on Sunday. People can of course visit any time they want but there’s a special effort being made to do so as “diocese” on this Sunday. The time set aside is 3pm-7pm and our own Parish Cluster (Bohola, Carracastle, Charlestown, Kilmovee, Kiltimagh and Swinford) are especially invited during the final hour, 6pm-7pm.
Ten “STATIONS” have been identified, each with a call to prayer and a bit of reflection. A booklet will be made available for use during the time and the hope is that as many as possible will attend. Stations of The Cross will be prayed and reflected upon during the final half hour. Please consider making the “pilgrimage” on Sunday. It would be great to see many people, families too, from our parish gather at the “HOLY DOOR OF MERCY”. Priests of the diocese will be available throughout the afternoon to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Further details on www.achonrydiocese.org