The first ever live broadcast of Mass from Lough Derg will be aired by RTÉ television this coming Sunday, 2 August 2009. Lough Derg lies four miles north of the village of Pettigo in County Donegal, in the Diocese of Clogher. Station Island, the location of the pilgrimage, is often referred to as St Patrick’s Purgatory.
Welcoming the televised Mass Bishop Joseph Duffy, Bishop of Clogher, said “Lough Derg is a special place of peace and personal challenge, renowned in Irish Christian tradition since the time of St Patrick.
In former times the emphasis of the Lough Derg pilgrimage was more on physical penance and hardship. Today pilgrims see it as a grace-filled opportunity away from the stress and busyness of modern life.
“Lough Derg identifies itself with the universal mission of the Church in our divided society, while remaining very much part of our society. The Lough Derg experience exemplifies the healing and liberating work of the Church which we all agree is very much needed at the present time. As a pilgrimage, Lough Derg reminds us that we are all members of a community, searching for peace and reconciliation in our lives.”
“Televising Mass from Lough Derg allows viewers to share in the spirituality of this sacred place. The hosting of this special broadcast is consistent with the World Communication Day messages of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who has encouraged the use of new media technologies to promote the gospel.”
Bishop Duffy hopes to undertake a pastoral visit to the island in the two next weeks.
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