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Lough Derg

PILGRIMAGE AND RETREATS
While Lough Derg has been renowned as a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years, and is more commonly associated with penance and purgatory, pilgrims are more conscious these days of the spiritual atmosphere of the Island. In today's noisy and hectic world, people appreciate a haven of peace.
The tradition of the historical three-day pilgrimage has been preserved but additional services have also been offered in recent years. The introduction of these new services; one day retreats, youth retreats and special group retreats, allow people the opportunity to experience this sacred place when age or disability might otherwise prevent them from participating in the traditional pilgrimage.

THREE DAY PILGRIMAGE
 The tradition of the Lough Derg pilgrimage entails fasting, walking barefoot, and keeping continuously awake for a period of 24 hours. This centuries old practice still exists today allowing people to, in a sense, pray with their whole body - "This is my body, I give for you".
The Lough Derg pilgrimage consists of the three day Pilgrimage Fast and the Pilgrimage Exercises undertaken in bare feet at Lough Derg. Pilgrims arrive at Lough Derg between 11:00am and 3:00pm on the first day, having fasted from midnight. The traditional pilgrimage takes place generally from 1st June-15th August (inclusive), with the 13th of August being the last day to come onto the island to begin the pilgrimage. Please note that there is no need to book for the three day pilgrimage-pilgrims simply arrive any day of the week to commence their pilgrimage from June 1st-15th August. The cost is €50.
Please note that the 2008 pilgrimage season will begin on May 30th.
The Pilgrimage Exercises are made up of a prayer sequence called a "Station". This is a well-known Celtic form of prayer, involving physical movement accompanied by 'mantra type' prayers. Nine Stations are completed on Lough Derg over the three day period. Five Stations are made in the open air on the 'Penitential Beds' while pilgrims say the prayers of a further Four Stations together in the Basilica during their first night.
The central penitential exercise of the Pilgrimage is the Vigil; each pilgrim stays completely and continuously awake for 24 hours, starting at 10pm on the first day. Morning and Evening Mass are celebrated in St. Patrick's Basilica each day as well as other liturgies throughout the second day of the pilgrimage when there is also time for personal reflection. Pilgrims have one "Lough Derg Meal" of dry toast or oatcakes and black tea or coffee on each of the three days of the Pilgrimage.

SPECIALISED RETREATS
There are other aspects to Lough Derg beyond its traditional three-day pilgrimage season and one day retreat programme.

Specific groups
Lough Derg offers special days in collaboration with other associations or groups. Some examples of these include Faith and Light, Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Ecclesia Dei Ireland. It is hoped in 2008 to include Family Day, Musical Evenings and Art Exhibitions. Please contact us for more information.
Individual Retreats
Upon request to the Prior and with his approval, individual retreatants may participate in self -directed retreat or pilgrimage. This would only take place outside of the traditional three day pilgrimage season of May 30-August 15. Accommodation is available on the Island.

Youth Retreats
Youth retreats have been offered on the Island since 2001.While many young people undertake the challenge of the tradtional pilgirmage independently, these school retreats follow a tailor made programme specific to the group needs. We welcome expressions of interest from community or school groups in their Leaving Certificate or A-Level Year. Group size is limited to a maximum of 50 and minimum of 25.

SPECIFIC GROUPS
Lough Derg offers special days in collaboration with other associations or groups. Some examples of these include Faith and Light, Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Ecclesia Dei Ireland.
The creation of Davog House, our new Retreat Centre offers ideal location for conferences or meetings. The Island location complimented by state of the art conference facilities provides a great alternative for your team to 'get away from it all'.
Catering and accommodation is available.

Special Dates for 2008:
Ecumenical Service-Ash Wednesday, February 6th, 2008 - Guest Speaker: Rev. Ruth Patterson
Quiet Day-unguided day of prayer and reflection - May 7th, September 3rd
New for 2008 Family Days: A unique opportunity for you and your child to enjoy the sancity of the Island.Parents will engage in tradtioanl prayer programme, whilst children will enjoy age-specific arts and activities. All will come together in the afternoon for a Family Mass.-Sunday 18th may and Saturday, August 30th.
Musical Evening - A special evening of music and praise. A special invitaiton to our friends from other churches-Monday, August 18th, 2008
Faith and Light Annual Pilgrimage - Sunday, September 7th.
For information on any of these events, please follow the link below or call us at 00353-719861518

SCHOOL/YOUTH GROUPS
Offered since 2001, Lough Derg provides an ideal setting for school or youth retreats. Davog House also creates a stimulating environment while the Island allows young people much needed space from their daily hustle and bustle.
Spiritually based, the retreats are experiential in nature, focusing on the individual and encouraging them to get to know themselves a little better. Music, poetry, art, scripture and active interaction are used to convey our message.
Groups should be Leaving Certificate or Year 14 students with a maximum group size of 50 students, and a minimum of 25.
Overnight retreats are available.Offered on selected dates, May, September and October.
If you would like to receive a list of available dates, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

INDIVIDUAL RETREATS
Upon request to the Prior and with his approval, individuals may participate in self directed retreat or pilgrimage. This is only available outside of the traditional three day pilgrimage season of May 30-August 15. Accommodation is available on the Island.
 




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Our diocese of sixty-one parishes, from four counties, North and South of the Border, is knitted together closely to form the historic local Church of Armagh. As a diocese we seek not only to be faithful to the message of Jesus Christ himself, but also to embrace the challenges of the present and to look forward with confidence to the opportunities of the future. We strive to do this primarily by reflecting the healing love of Christ and the Truth of his Gospel through the ministry of his Church in the various parishes and pastoral agencies you will find outlined in this website.

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