C&SI - Invitation to Lough Derg - 18 May 2025 (S05E25)

On this weeks podcast, John and Shane meet up with Marcus from the Lough Derg pastoral team to discuss with him the on-going work taking place at one of Ireland's holiest pilgrimage spots - St Patrick's Purgatory on Lough Derg in Co Donegal. 

We have our regular run through the up coming liturgical odds and ends including saints of the week. We check in with Rome to see what Papa Leo has been up to and of course today was the Mass for the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry in Rome where he was invested with the pallium and the ring of the fisherman. 

In part three we have  a brief reflection on the Sunday gospel which this weeks is taken from the Great Discourse in the Gospel of St John  with the presentation of the Great Commandment to Love.

Invitation to Lough Derg

Faithful to a tradition inspired by Patrick, who himself found hope and new purpose in his time among the mountains, ​Lough Derg is here to offer opportunities for deep encounter with self ​and with God in these changing times

St Patrick's Purgatory is an ancient pilgrimage site on Station Island in Lough Derg, County Donegal, Ireland. According to legend, the site dates from the fifth century, when Christ showed Saint Patrick a cave, sometimes referred to as a pit or a well, on Station Island that was an entrance to Purgatory. It is historical importance as a place of pilgrimage comes down to us to the present day. 

Listen in as John and Marcus take us through the traditional three day pilgrimage but also how the Sanctuary has expanded its ministry in one day retreats, residential retreats, and school retreats and a pilgrim walk. It is also one of the three national pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee 2025 and you can even pick up your own Jubilee 2025 passport!

You can find out more about the Sanctuary HERE.