But you are not alone there. Last year the crack was mighty - you laugh coz you are with people who have voluntarily gone there and they know they're mad! how often are you with people who know they're mad?
As far as I know, there is no need to pre book a place, although I did the first time I went. When I got to the booking desk there were people who did not book, just paid (€70) and hopped on the boat! You can leave your car beside the booking office. The phone no. 071 986 1518.
Ahh Bartimaeus don't be so negative lol!! All one has to do is ask Our Lady for the grace to do it! Yes it can be difficult in moments but not one long hard slog, and being with others is a great distraction! And one receives graces there at a much deeper level. One of my friends, a sadly deceased nun over 70 years of age, would do the 3 days, get the boat off the island, and return on the next one! So in all she would have done 6 days continuous penance! Nice to have you on board Maryrose! Has anybody seen Krizevac lately...... whoooo hoooooo........
I was only in Lough Derg the once, with parish and only on a day trip. But I was amazed with the great graces, especially centred on the Sacrament of Confession. I can see why it is called, 'St Patrick's Purgatory. @, it reminds me so much of purgatory (in a nice way) . It is like a gateway to purgatory.
Yes Maryrose, I was hoping someone would 'say' a date, other wise, we could end up arranging different dates and defeat the object of making the Pilgrimage at the same time. LOL Of course if we can't make arrangements to go at the same date, we would have to 'fly solo'. LOL
To say i have conflicted feelings for Lough Derg would be putting it mildly! Its the best of times and the worst of times... it is only possible with the grace of God IMHO The first time i went it was on a bus organised by Mick Sammom, God bless him. on the way back we had to do a bit of a detour in Dublin to drop an elderly nun home - apparently she had 'escaped' from her convent 3 days earlier - just walking out and getting on a bus, because she knew the others wouldn't let her go to Lough Derg if she told them she was going!
For anyone who would like to join Padraig, Maryrose and myself on Lough Derg, we intend going on the 22nd until 24th of June. The pilgrimage will be in reparation for Ireland to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart.
Well done and thank you - especially in light of Charlie's recent post about Ireland. I am still committed to late July if anyone is interested.
Looks like I have a problem as my daughter needs me on the Tuesday. I will see about later even though like Bartimaeus it sends a shiver down my spine.
I am excited and happy to be going, funnily enough and really looking forward to it. I can see Our Lady's hand in all this which is always a joy. You know before I go on a pilgrimage I always pray to St Joseph and he never lets me down. He brings great unexpected graces. What a joy. It may well be, you know we never get a chance to go on retreat like this the way things are turning..or at least for quite some time, so ..well anyway I am delighted and at peace. No shivers, just joy.
I'm looking forward to it too Padraig, it will be great to meet you and Maryrose too if she can make it! Given the intention of the pilgrimage don't be surprised if stan tries to twart it, it's something to be aware of but not worried by it. This pilgrimage is Our Lady's work
Yes, this is what I was thinking, if the devil makes difficulties this is always a good Sign of Graces on the way.
Mick Sammon phoned me again re. going on the bus he orgsnises. He travels from the west Dublin &Co. Kildare area but is very short of people for the bus going August 13th. This is the closing session and includes the feast of the Assumption. His details are on the Lough Derg website snd it would be great to support him (he's not well), and to join in the reparation, and meet like minded people.
Bartimaeus, I was talking to someone over here in the UK and I believe I can get a bus which will take me to Enfield. Would that be near enough to use Mick Sammon's bus going August 13th. Realistically, I would have to do with a group who I could connect with. Kildare seems the best option for me.
Both Mick and the Oliver Plunkett tours are small operations so if you were arriving in Dublin they could tell you exactly where they could pick you up - don't be afraid to ask them.
I have been told there are more than one lough Derg's in Ireland. !!! Is the Saint Patrick one in County Clare ? I don't want to end up in some holiday resort. LOL
