The ancient pilgrimage

The ancient pilgrimage

Lough Derg--Pilgrimage--Magazine--Narrative

An account of Lough Derg from a late-nineteenth-century pilgrim.

Matthew Russell, 1834-1912

'Lough Derg: By a Recent Pilgrim', The Irish Monthly: A Magazine of General Literature Sixth Yearly Volume, p.30-1

M.H. Gill & Son, Dublin

1878

Sponsored and digitised by Google, Princeton University Library

Public domain

Article

English

Magazine Article

DD_0445

54.608913,-7.870977

https://archive.org/details/irishmonthlyvol01unkngoog/page/n5

"These penitential austerities were in ancient times exceedingly rigorous. The station lasted for a period varying from nine to fifteen days. In later times it was reduced to six, and at present only continues for three days. The station begins on the 1st of July, and continues until the 15th of August. The average number on the island is from one to two hundred ; but towards the close of the station time there is often from four to five hundred. The station commences with a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in St. Patrick's Church. Then certain prayers are said at St. Patrick's and St. Bridget's Cross, after which the pilgrim makes the circuit of the church seven times, of the large penitential bed six times, and of the smaller ones three times each ; during these circuits, which are made on the bare knees, a certain number of Paters and Aves is said. The first night is spent entirely in the prison chapel, and each pilgrim makes his confession on the second day. The penitent ‘brings his fast to the island, otherwise he cannot begin this station on that day. The only food allowed is oatmeal bread, with the water of the lake, or a cup of black tea. No whiskey is permitted within three miles of Lough Derg. The spiritual exercises are conducted by three or four secular priests, who remain on the island during the station time and are called always ‘friars’ by the people."

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