Penance and Renewal on Ireland's Station Island

(13 Aug 09 - RV) The last group of pilgrims in the 2009 season of Lough Derg pilgrimages arrived at the Irish Augustinian monastery on station island today. 


One of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Ireland, the Lough Derg pilgrimage is a three day fast incorporating a 24 hour vigil where people pray barefoot their entire stay


This ancient tradition is still popular with modern people in search of spiritual renewal.


Approximately 8,500 pilgrims will have participated in the three-day pilgrimage by the end of this weekend, a 10% increase over 2008. 


Bishop of Clogher, Joseph Duffy, says the ancient practice offers people something new