2019 SEASON Programme of Spiritual - "Lough Derg is a wonderful island of God's grace, love and mercy. It is the ultimate place for the stretch of ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
“Lough Derg is a wonderful island of God’s
grace, love and mercy. It is the ultimate
place for the stretch of spiritual self-care.”
Reflection by Pilgrim Jim, 2018
Programme of Spiritual
2019 SEASON refreshment in changing times...
2019 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS... Welcome to this year’s Season Guide to our programme
of retreats and pilgrimages on Lough Derg.
ONE DAY RETREATS SPECIAL DAYS Today’s culture can be we spend our time from day to
challenging for people of faith day and from hour to hour, can
The season officially opens on ◗ QUIET DAYS Mon 13th May & Fri 6th Sept
and for all who put store on the so easily lose focus on what is
Saturday 4th May 2019. ◗ DAY OF FRIENDSHIP & PRAYER deeper and more lasting things really wholesome and life-
One Day Retreats enable more Wed 15th May that lie below the fast-moving giving for us and for our world
people to enjoy the serenity of this Guest Speaker Fr Peter McVerry SJ, widely surface of daily life. today.
Island and keep connected with the respected across the country as a tireless
spirituality of Lough Derg. Our mindset, one that accepts Lough Derg continues to
advocate for social justice.
Dates detailed on page 4. the reality of the God of hold its place firmly among
◗ NEW PARISH MINISTRY DAY Sat 18th May compassion revealed in the the experiences that offer an
Guest Speaker Jim Deeds has served in words and the wonderful way opportunity for people to find
THREE DAY PILGRIMAGE The Living Church leadership in Down and of Jesus, can be undermined support and accompaniment
Commences on Friday 31st May Connor Diocese. by an excessively material Fr La Flynn for faithful, hope-filled living in
2019 and continues until ◗ SENIORS AFTERNOON Tue 28th May worldview. changing and challenging times.
Tuesday 13th August. Our hearts, that cherish a hope that life is We hope you might choose to be part of
One can begin the pilgrimage on ◗ LIVING WITH SUICIDE DAY Sat 28th Sept
Guest Speaker Conor McCafferty, director filled with profound meaning despite the the Lough Derg pilgrim family this season,
any day between these dates. worst that may come our way, can become and we look forward to welcoming you on
of ZestNI, Northern Ireland’s leading
(Three Day Pilgrimage ends on organisation in healing the hurt of troubled in the midst of a society that has Station Island.
Thursday 15th Aug 2018). self-harm and suicide. lost its confidence about eternal certainties.
Even our behaviour and our actions, how
2 Lough Derg can help you plan your journey - T: 071 986 1518 E: info@loughderg.org ❙ Find out more at: www.loughderg.org 3
RETREAT DATES ONE DAY RETREATS A SHORT GUIDE TO YOUR
MAY: Sat 4th, Sun 5th, Mon 6th, Sat 11th, ONE DAY RETREAT
Sun 12th, Tues 14th, Sun 19th, Tues 21st,
The popular One Day Retreats – now in RETREAT PROGRAMME
their 28th year – continue to facilitate a One Day Retreats are guided days
Sat 25th, Sun 26th, Mon 27th. wide range of people who would want to One Day Retreats offer a flexible of prayer and reflection and include
come on pilgrimage to Lough Derg. On a programme of prayer and reflection. Prayers of Intercession, reflection on
AUGUST: Sat 17th, Sun 18th, Mon 19th One Day retreat experience shoes remain The day concludes with the celebration life with scripture, the option of the
Tues 20th, Sat 24th, Sun 25th, Mon 26th, on and a light lunch is served. of Mass in St Patrick’s Basilica. Sacrament of Reconciliation and the
Tues 27th, Sat 31st.
The Retreat programme runs celebration of Eucharist in St Patrick’s
This island – so long associated with St
SEPTEMBER: Sun 1st, Wed 4th, Sat 7th, Basilica.
Patrick and consecrated, we might say, 10.30am - 4.30pm
Mon 9th, Tues 10th, Sat 14th, Sun 15th, by sustained pilgrim prayer and penance (Pilgrims arrive from 9.15am) The afternoon also offers an
Sat 21st, Sun 22nd, Sun 29th. over countless generations – is happy opportunity for quiet time and for
to welcome you to be part of its living The day retreat is open to adults and not Eucharistic Adoration.
tradition. suited to children. (Fasting or walking
barefooted is not required). Hospitality on the day includes tea/
A day for busy people who would really coffee & scones on arrival and a light
Boat times: Available from 9.15am and lunch is served.
appreciate a break away from what may feel
like a relentless routine, and for those who return from 4.30pm.
It is advisable to wear/bring warm and
already value the time they can find in life Crossing approx. 10 mins.
waterproof clothing (pilgrims keep
for the deeper things. The One Day Retreats footwear on).
offer encouragement and support for the Advanced booking is essential
journey. You will return home refreshed. Admission €45
4 To make a booking contact - T: 071 986 1518 ❙ E: info@loughderg.org Find out more at: www.loughderg.org 5
SPECIAL DAYS
QUIET DAYS
Mon 13th May & Fri 6th September
A Quiet Day offers you precious time one-to-
One with God, at your own pace, in the context
of Lough Derg’s spiritual tradition. Listen to your
God speaking “in the still, small voice”, within and
without, in the sounds and sights of nature, in
memory and imagination, in Word and in silence.
Each season there are alternative Spiritual direction available.Refreshments offered NEW PARISH MINISTRY DAY LIVING WITH SUICIDE DAY
events inviting people to experience on arrival, and a light lunch. Sat 18th May Sat 28th September
the Island in different ways. One A new event on Lough Derg, to offer Our key speaker on this special retreat day will
Pilgrim’s reflection: “Lough Derg is A DAY OF FRIENDSHIP & PRAYER spiritual refreshment for those who again be Conor McCafferty, director of ZestNI,
a special place, a hidden treasure. Wed 15th May give service to others in their parishes: psychotherapist and widely respected for his
It is a place of beauty and rhythm, This day gives an opportunity for members from readers, safeguarding personnel, parish leading work in the area of suicide prevention
which provides sanctuary from much various Christian churches to share prayer and pastoral and finance people, baptism and bereavement.
of the routine of modern living…just fellowship. Our guest speaker this year is Fr Peter and liturgy teams and so many others. This retreat offers support to people who
the sounds of creatures of nature, McVerry SJ, widely respected across the country Our speaker and regular pilgrim Jim struggle with suicide ideation or who are
the lapping of the lake water, and as a tireless advocate for social justice, especially Deeds has served in The Living Church affected by suicide through personal loss, to
buildings and spaces which nourish on behalf of those who find themselves without a leadership in Down and Connor those who minister to the suicide bereaved or
the spirit.” secure place to call home. Diocese. work in support services.
6 To find out more about Special Day Retreats contact: T: 071 986 1518 or E: info@loughderg.org ❙ www.loughderg.org 7
Pilgrimage is a meaningful
PILGRIMAGE
journey to a sacred place...
THREE DAY
A SHORT GUIDE TO YOUR
THREE DAY PILGRIMAGE
◗ The Three Day Pilgrimage follows a
...the Three Day Pilgrimage offers clarity centuries-old pattern prayer.
around what is wholesome and life giving. ◗ The pilgrimage programme includes prayer and
quiet reflection in bare feet, keeping Vigil
(24 hrs) and maintaining the Fast (one simple
Lough Derg meal each day).
Why people, young and old, continue completing her Three Day Pilgrimage Pilgrims must be over 15 years, physically able to
to be drawn to this sacred Island wrote, “Our pilgrimage was mind walk and kneel unaided and to maintain the Fast.
31 -15
cannot be explained in mere words. blowing - I wish I could hold and bottle
AUGUST
◗ Pilgrims can arrive from 11.00am on the first day having fasted from midnight
Everyone’s personal pilgrim journey is this feeling and share it with everyone
and depart on the third day at 10.00am. Pre-booking is not required.
special to them and the experience can in the whole world.”
bring unconscious spiritual depths to ◗ Boat times: Daily between 11.00am & 3pm. Crossing approx. 10 mins.
the light of awareness; pilgrims often Come have your own personal, ◗ Admission €75; student discount 15%, concessions for seniors and groups.
remark that what they got from the unique experience in the atmosphere
MAY
experience was something entirely of compassion and healing which
unexpected. Pilgrim Mary reflecting on pervades the setting of the Island. (Last day to begin your Three Day Pilgrimage Tuesday 13th August)
8 Lough Derg can help you plan your journey - T: 071 986 1518 E: info@loughderg.org ❙ Find out more at: www.loughderg.org 9
“You arrive on the Island and think …Oh my
goodness! And you leave the Island thinking
OH MY GOODNESS! I can’t wait to clock up the “The internet can be a “I have never in my
number of times I can do it.” Pilgrim Sandra “The miracle of beast or a miracle and life experienced such
Lough Derg is on this occasion it was a profound sense of
being able to go a miracle. I found Lough tranquillity and of
home and Derg all the way from having come home”
“There is a tremendous
LOUGH DERG...
cope with life.“ Arizona. This place, Pilgrim Joseph
sense of community and Pilgrim Erin WOW!” Pilgrim John
love amongst everyone
who is on pilgrimage.
Lough Derg is the place Youth doing Three
to go to step off the Day Pilgrimage 2018
VOICES OF
world for two days and “Challenges are what
experience a deep sense makes life interesting and
“Very empowering of peace and healing.” overcoming them is what
“Lough Derg is not
experience. Lough Derg Pilgrim Martin makes life meaningful.”
a special club for
brings you solace and Pilgrim Marie
‘holy Joes’ – it’s
balance in abundance.
just the opposite.”
It’s the best investment
Pilgrim Eamon
I have ever made in
myself.” Pilgrim Ciara
10 Lough Derg can help you plan your journey - T: 071 986 1518 E: info@loughderg.org ❙ Find out more at: www.loughderg.org 11
NATIONAL YOUTH PILGRIM AGE 2019 THE ISLAND IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR
School & Organised Youth Retreats
Led by Bishop Donal McKeown and the Lough Derg Team.
21-23 May | September | October | 2019
“I thought after JUNE ‘19
LOUGH DERG...
exam season I’d During May, September and October Lough Derg especially
take time away welcomes school year groups, John Paul II Award participants,
from everything Parish & Diocesan Youth Groups for One or Two Day Retreats.
and came with a
few friends which
made it a lot Adeline Bruen, Teacher Our Lady’s Secondary School,
YOUTH AT
easier.” Bronwyn Castleblaney has been bringing 6th year students
on retreat to Lough Derg for over 10 years,
“I was here last year ‘...time has no consequence here, it’s a day where
Bishop Donal McKeown Pilgrims Bronwyn and Declan part of a for the first time
and Erin Hutchinson. larger group from St. Louis, Ballymena. the students can be at home with God, nature
and I can honestly and themselves. It’s a change of scene, change
say this year was of pace, it’s being on an Island, being remote…it
Young people from across the island of Ireland are invited to even better, I have offers something deeper for the young people.’
gather together for the ironman of pilgrimages, the Three Day made so many new
Pilgrimage on Lough Derg from 21 – 23 June (arrive early afternoon friends.” Declan
on first day, stay two nights and depart by 10.00am on third morning) Contact Nuala at Lough Derg about school and youth retreats
Youth Pilgrimage Island admission: €64/£55 on 071 9861518 or groupreservations@loughderg.org
12 Find out more: www.loughderg.org/nationalyouthpilgrimage Follow us on Instagram Public transport to and from the island E: info@loughderg.org 13
The tiny island on Lough Derg is unique among the world’s holy
REASONS TO ‘DO’ sites. Here are ten reasons why you should experience this utterly
unique Three Day Pilgrimage... 05 FIND YOUR
MUSE 06 HELP WITH TOUGH
DECISIONS 07 BE COUNTER-
CULTURAL
Lough Derg has inspired Many people who face One of the oldest
01 IT’S THE IRONMAN
02 HAVE A DIGITAL numerous poets, including life-changing decisions continuous pilgrimages in
LOUGH DERG
OF PILGRIMAGES DETOX Nobel Prize winner Seamus undertake the pilgrimage. Europe, Lough Derg is the
Heaney. Bring a notebook - It gives breathing space to antidote to the expensive
Three days of fasting, staying It’s hard to hear God amidst the you may be surprised how make the right choice and and often meaningless
awake for the 24-Hour vigil... constant ping of electronic devices. creative you’ll become. to discover God’s will for package holiday. It is about
all done in your bare feet. The island is a mobile free zone. your life while building the self-discovery, reflection
Comparisons with the toughest So withdraw from the world and spiritual muscle to respond and transformation.You
08
athletic endurance event in the its noise for just three days to FIGHT THE to God generously. won’t get that in Magaluf.
world are not unwarranted. experience the peace of God’s love DEVIL Be a pilgrim, not a tourist.
on this island of quiet miracles.
03 EXPERIENCE
GOD’S MERCY 04 WALK IN ST PATRICK’S
FOOTSTEPS
In past centuries, pilgrims
were sealed in a cave on
the island for 24 hours.
09 UPGRADE YOUR
PRAYER LIFE 10 FIND HEALING
They were Christian soldiers You’ll find that the 24- We all carry hurts. Pilgrims
On Lough Derg you’ll see yourself The original cave on the island was engaged in a spiritual hour Vigil offers a unique can encounter healing in
as you truly are. Without shoes, food said to be the site where St Patrick battle against the devil and invitation to pray in a undertaking three days
10
and sleep you’ll become aware of was shown a vision of Purgatory. The sin, with penance as their profound and sustained of spiritual exercises. The
how weak and fragile you are and so remains of monastic prayer cells still weapon. Today, pilgrims way. It can lead you beyond priests and professional
become more open to experience form a key part of the pilgrimage. keep to ancient forms of words into a humble counsellors on the island are
the embrace of God’s mercy. penance (but we won’t silence before God. available to offer a listening
lock you in a cave!). ear and their support.
14 Lough Derg can help you plan your journey - T: 071 986 1518 E: info@loughderg.org ❙ Find out more at: www.loughderg.org 15
THE IRONMAN PILGRIMAGES of
Reputed to be the most challenging in all of Christendom…
The Irish Times 2018
“Oh my goodness...
what did we achieve!”
Student Group from Queen’s University,
Belfast on Pilgrimage July 2018.
You can also read
