I’ve been off the mainland for a few hours! On Lough Derg again for a short while, helping with the pilgrimage but with my shoes on! Good to be here and pleased to have been asked.
It’s wonderful to see people so committed to the traditions of this Holy Place and open to its call to visit. Bare-footed and on fast, people spend three days here. Sharing some time in the Basilica for Public Prayer, Mass, Reconciliation, Renewal of Baptismal Promises and private time going around the Penitential Beds, honouring the Prayer traditions that have been handed down.
No more than the Gable Wall of Knock on that August evening in 1879, there are people of “all ages” gathered here. Some generations from within the one family. There’s something happening here that is very deeply rooted in faith and the handing on of faith.
There’s a lovely mix of personalities and of moods. There are times of quiet, times of chanted prayer and times when you hear laughter shared. All that is good is happening here.
That “good” runs deep. I have no doubt there are people who will leave this Island feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief – not just relief that the days have passed but spiritual relief for maybe a burden shared or left behind.
As for me, I will leave it in a little while, glad to have had the chance to minister to people and be among people happy to witness to their faith. I will leave, intending to come back on “pilgrimage” but that’s another story!!!
I’ll leave you with just over two minutes of a chant from last evening’s Night Prayer. Again, talents well used. God bless the singers and musicians who bring so much to the liturgies on Lough Derg.
Will you be going to Lough Derg again Fr for the three day pilgrimages
Fr Vincent you complimented the team and rightly so. Thank you for accepting the request to join for a couple of days. You brought with you great cheer and song.
I was one of the Pilgrims on for the Vigil Mass you celebrated, in which you brought us in communion to Jesus,#Kilkelly #Crib #firsteuchurist through song and words, of receiving and giving, a live Gospel message delivered to a much appreciating gathering,and touched with the Love, of all we journeyed through the night in a Spiritual appreciation for all.
Thank you #Goodtoseeyouagain.
Blessings.
Norman.