Colm Fitzpatrick
Over 500 pilgrims visited St Patrick’s Purgatory in Lough Derg for the opening weekend of the island shrine’s 2017 Three-Day Pilgrimage season last weekend.
Speaking about the high turnout, communications officer at Lough Derg Sharon Hearty said: “The current demographic of the Three-Day Pilgrimage is better balanced than ever, between men and women, younger and older, devout and searching as well as continuing to attract international pilgrims each season.”
The number of attendees for the first day alone of the opening weekend has significantly increased on last year with just under 300 visiting in 2017, whereas this year saw a turnout of 376 pilgrims.
Sharon added that the island attracts pilgrims who look forward to seeing friends they have made over the years, and that new pilgrims are often accompanied by a member of their family or a friend who have done the pilgrimage before and often find this a source of support.
“Whilst the spiritual landscape in which we live continues to change and the traditional contours of the map of pilgrimage seem less familiar – there is also a changing motive to be here, the sense of peace that pervades the Island, getting away from it all, stepping away for a few days from the relentless demands of the digital and technological age and the expectation of being perpetually available to respond right now.
“Yet, on the other hand so many people also value the deep sense of connection they experience here with family members of past generations who sought and found God’s presence at Lough Derg.”