A Unique Place of Pilgrimage Come as you are... to a quiet place and rest a while. Lough Derg, the sanctuary of St Patrick, is a place apart, a sacred place where you can come as you are and return to daily life with fresh hope and new awareness for the journey ahead. TO ALL OF YOU, who have journeyed to Lough Derg recently and in the past or perhaps have never been to this unique place but have thought about coming at some time, I would like to extend a special invitation. Come walk in the footsteps of generations of pilgrims. Come and experience this place apart, a sacred place where everyone is welcome just as they are. The experience cannot be explained with mere words, everyone’s personal pilgrim journey to Lough Derg is special to them. As one of our pilgrims put it: “yes, the three-day pilgrimage is challenging at a number of levels but well worth the effort when you reap the benefits in terms of finding renewed strength for life’s journey, together with the peace of Christ and the reassurance that only a place like Lough Derg can give .......I’ll definitely be back again...” Recent years have noticed a growth in the number of younger people making the Three-Day Pilgrimage and likewise going away very encouraged and supported by the experience - something that we are so happy to be associated with in these difficult times. If you have thought about coming to Lough Derg but never managed to get here or ifyou have been before and plan to return, it is our hope that you will say ‘yes’ to this invitation to come this year and experience the rich benefits of this ancient but ever- new pilgrim place. Rev Owen J McEneaney, Prior On behalf of the Lough Derg Team Traditional Three Day Pilgrimage 2014 “Doing Lough Derg is when I find my ‘still centre’. During the winter when I think of Lough Derg it brings back a feeling of calm and quietness.” Pilgrim Frank Pilgrims may begin their Three Day Pilgrimage on any day of the week from Friday 30th May until Wednesday 13th August The Three Day Pilgrimage follows a 1000 year old pattern and offers peace & personal challenge. There are no outsiders; barefooted everyone is equal. Over the three days pilgrims journey together as a Christian community in prayer. Times: Boats are available from 11:00am please bring towels and toiletries), 24/7 until 3:00pm daily first aid support, all utilities and boat Admission: Pilgrims should be at least 15 services. Free car & coach parking. years old, able to walk & kneel unaided, * From midnight prior to arrival pilgrims observe a undertake the pilgrimage in bare feet and fast from all food and drink (water and prescribed fast*. medication excepted). One simple ‘Lough Derg meal’ – plain toast, Three Day Pilgrimage includes pastoral wheaten bread, oatcakes & black tea/coffee – can care, facilitated group prayer & reflection be had in the afternoon/evening on each day of sessions and professional counselling the pilgrimage. The fast continues until midnight on the third day. Pilgrims should be free from any services. Hospitality, hostel-style illness which is aggravated by fasting. accommodation (bed linen is provided – It is not necessary to book in advance but for those who wish to do so, online booking facilities are available on www.loughderg.org or telephone 071 9861518 (from NI 028 686 32391) One Day Retreats 2014 “I have been coming on One Day Retreats since they began in the early 1990’s. I have an opportunity to take time out from the noise of life and spend a day in a deep and meaningful way that makes a difference to my life.” Pilgrim Anne May: 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25 & 26 August: 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 & 31 September: 2, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20 & 21 These guided days of prayer and reflection include Prayers of Intercession and Healing of Memories as well as the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebration of Eucharist. The afternoon offers an opportunity for quiet time and contemplation. All are welcome to experience the sanctity of this special place. Times: Boats are available from 9:15am. Opening Prayers begin at 10:15am & the day concludes at approximately 4:30pm Admission: One Day Retreats are open to all adults; they are not suited to children. Those unable to make the traditional Three Day Pilgrimage are particularly welcome. Fasting or walking bare-footed is not required. Admission includes ministry services & pastoral care, tea & scones on arrival, a light lunch and return boat services. Free car & coach parking. Places are limited. Advance booking essential. Book online at: www.loughderg.org, by telephone: 071 9861518 (from NI 028 686 32391), by email: info@loughderg.org. 2014 Season Summary 5th March Ash Wednesday A Day of Friendship & Prayer 19th April Lough Derg Pilgrim Path Walk Specific days in May One Day Retreats 14th May Quiet Day 22nd May Living With Cancer 30th May until 15th August Traditional Three Day Pilgrimage Specific days in August One Day Retreats 22nd August Family Day Retreat Specific days in September One Day Retreats 1st September Quiet Day 7th September Faith & Light Regional Pilgrimage 17th September A Day Of Healing 24th September Living With Suicide Further information on these events is available on www.loughderg.org Admission Three Day Pilgrimage: €70, student discount 15% concessions for seniors & groups One Day Retreat: €40, concessions for groups Themed Retreat Days: Prices vary, telephone for further information. If you wish to speak to us about admission – spreading the cost or making a deposit – you can contact Maureen confidentially on 071 9861518 (from NI 028 686 32391). Lough Derg is a Registered Charity Where is Lough Derg? Lough Derg lies about four miles north of the village of Pettigo, on the Donegal / Fermanagh border. Station Island, the location of the pilgrimage, is often referred to as Saint Patrick’s Purgatory or simply Lough Derg. Lough Derg GalwayLimerickCorkSligoDerry DONEGAL TOWN Belfast Dublin SLIGO belleek How do I get there? By Bus There are numerous organised Three Day Pilgrimages and One Day Retreats with pick up points nationwide. Contact Lough Derg to find out dates & details of organised trips from your area. Tel. 071 9861518 Email. info@loughderg.org www.loughderg.org/ organisedpilgrimages2014 Contact information: Tel: 071 9861518 (from NI 028 686 32391) Email: info@loughderg.org Write to: The Prior, Lough Derg, Pettigo, Co Donegal Web: www.loughderg.org Videos on Lough Derg www.icatholic.ie/loughderg Join us on facebook & twitter Ballygawley, Dublin CAVAN DUBLIN By Car Sat Nav/GPS Coordinates N: 54.60707 / W: -7.85706 Dublin (3hrs) Galway (3hrs) Sligo (1½hrs) Belfast (2hrs) Enniskillen (½hr) Omagh (½hr) Derry (1hr) Letterkenny (1¼hrs) Car sharing forum check out www.loughderg.org/carshare ballyshannon LAGHY N15 N15 R232 N15 N3 A4 B134 Enniskillen pettigo ederney IRVINESTOWN KESH LOWER LOUGH ERNE LOUGH DERG BELFAST omagh Belfast & Monaghan, A46 A32 A32 A35 A32 A32 B4 A25 A35 B134 R233 B4 A509 A4 N3 M1 Design+print browneprintersltd T: (074) 91 21387Design+print browneprintersltd T: (074) 91 21387