With the leaves falling as Autumn announces its arrival, we wanted to share a few accounts of what the Catholic Arena team got up to this summer, in particular our recent staff pilgrimage to Lough Derg, or to go by its actual name, St Patrick’s Purgatory.
Before we even arrived to the island, we had begun a 3 day fast which began at 12 midnight. For this 3 day period, our only food would consist of dry toast, and liquid consumption was restricted to water or black tea/coffee, or if you were so inclined, hot water with some salt and pepper (colloquially known as “Lough Derg soup”).
Upon arrival at the shore, a boat took us to the island, in a short 7 minute trip. After making our way to the assigned bunk in our dormitory, we removed our shoes and socks, and would not put them back on until the morning of departure, calloused and sore. We began the first of 9 stations which we would perform over the 3 days.
Each station was comprised of walking, kneeling, and praying around a series of circular stone paths (some of which were easier to navigate then others!). These ‘penitential prayer beds’ are the remnants of the tiny cells used by the monastic community there dating as far back as the ninth century and each one is named after an early Irish saint. We all found the stations quite beautiful and contemplative, with a surprising absence of complaints about the rough terrain on which we knelt and walked barefoot.
The greatest challenge was the 24 hour vigil which lasted from 10pm on the first day until 10pm on the second, which essentially deprived you of sleep for the entire first night (and no following day napping allowed!). For health and safety reasons, the vigil comprised of stations is performed not outside on the penitential beds, but inside the basilica, with a series of breaks in between. We were unanimous in finding the stations and fasting the far easier of the burdens during our entire time on the island.
While we found the lack of sleep difficult, it was not unbearable, and used the opportunity to lean further into prayer and our faith.
During the 3 days, there were multiple ceremonies, including masses, benediction, confession and homilies, all delivered under the kind and experienced oversight of Fr. Lawrence Flynn. I personally was able to connect with God in a deep and intimate manner, unburdened by the distractions of modernity, and not using a mobile device during this time felt particularly liberating.
While the 3 day pilgrimage season has finished as of last month, we highly recommend readers of this site to undertake this wonderful opportunity to disengage, reflect, pray and recharge when it re-opens in May 2023.
Jerome