RTÉ 1 will broadcast Mass live today (Sunday 2nd August) from St Patrick's Basilica, Station Island, Lough Derg from 11.15am to 12.15pm. The principal celebrant of the Mass will be Fr Peter Raftery CSSp and the two other concelebrants will be the Prior, Monsignor Richard Mohan, and Father Cathal Deery, who will preach the homily.
Lough Derg is situated four miles north of the village of Pettigo in County Donegal. Station Island is one of about nine islands in the lake. There is a tradition connecting St Patrick with the area and he is said to have left his disciple St Davog (remembered in local place-names) in charge when he left. Station Island has been receiving pilgrims from at least the twelfth century.
The three-day penitential pilgrimage attracts people of all ages and walks of life, from different cultures and social backgrounds. Pilgrims fast from the previous midnight and for the three days may have just tea and toast or dry bread.
They are required to do nine 'Stations' during their time on the island. Most of these are done during the first day and the night vigil on the island. Pilgrims follow a set routine of prayers and actions, walking barefoot around the penitential beds while reciting prescribed prayers.
The penitential beds where the pilgrims walk and kneel are reconstructed remains of monastic cells or oratories where monks of the Celtic monastic period spent time alone to pray. As they appear now they are rings of boulders and rough stones embedded up-end in the soil, some on a steep incline and in the centre of each stands a crucifix.
The challenging nature of the fasting, vigil and Stations is complemented by excellent communal liturgical celebrations in the Basilica.
More recently one day retreats, youth retreats and special group retreats allow people the opportunity to experience the sacredness of the place when age or disability might otherwise prevent them from participating in the traditional pilgrimage.
One feature of the pilgrimage is how warm and friendly communal relations develop among the pilgrims. Pilgrims also find themselves challenged to re-think their faith and to develop fresh insights into their lives.
Welcoming the televised Mass, Bishop of Clogher Joseph Duffy 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.”
Last year Mass was broadcast live for the first time from the top of the pilgrimage site of Croagh Patrick.
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