The excavations of Ludovicus Pyrrhus

The excavations of Ludovicus Pyrrhus

Lough Derg--Protestant critique--Treatise--Purgatory

A critique of St. Patrick's Purgatory and Catholic pilgrimage in general.

John Richardson, 1664-1747

The Great Folly, superstition and idolatry of Pilgrimages in Ireland, especialy of that to St. Patrick's Purgatory: together with an account of the loss that the publick sustaineth thereby, truly and impartially represented, pp. 5-6

J. Hyde, Dublin

1727

Digitised by Collections numérisées - Université de Rennes 2

Public domain

Monograph

English

Religious treatise

DD_0465

54.6083, -7.8714

"It is now said, that this Passage [to Purgatory] is hid from [Pilgrims] for unknown Reasons, but that in due time it will be discovered by some devout Pilgrim. This probably induced one Ludovicus Pyrrhus a Native of Bretagne in France, to try if he could find it out. In order to dothis, about 34 Years ago, he came to Logh-Derg, and employed Labourers to dig and search for it throughout both these Islands, the neighbouring Priests giving their Assistance. He continued two Summers at this Work, and after he had spent almost all the Money he brought with him, fell a trafficking, and applied the Profit to the same Use. At last, as he was searching among the Rubbish of a Dwelling-House in the largest Island, he found a Window with Iron Stanchers, Mr. Art Mac Cullen Popish Priest of the Parish, Mr Mark Mac Grath, and Mr. James Maxwell a Protestant, who gave me this Account of Pyrrhus, being present. There happened to be a dark Cavity under the Window, which made the Purgatory-Mongers, at first Sight, believe that it was the Mouth of the Passage, and therefore they cried for holy Water to keep the Spirits from breaking out of Prison; and the Priest immediately left the Island in a great Fright, as he pretended, and reported among the Common People, that the way into Purgatory was found out for certain, that he saw it himself, and that it smelt strongly of Brimstone. The rest of the Papists who stayed behind were in a great Consternation, but Mr. Maxwell not being so credulous, desired them to have a little Patience, and they would soon be convinced of their Error, which accordingly fell out; for after digging a little deeper, the found that it was a Cellar-Window; whereupon Ludovicus Pyrrhus ceased from searching and more, and returned to his native Country. Among the Rubbish they found a little Bell, which is now in the College of Dublin; and an Image, which is now said to be the Image of Caoranach, and is kept in the lesser Island for the Satisfaction of the Pilgrims."

Monograph