St Dympna's Parish Dromore 2012

values and being physically and spiritually
renewed. They find that the particular prayerform,
which they often refer to as 'body-prayer',
is very satisfying and expresses in a non-verbal
way what they often cannot put into words.
Walking barefoot serves to emphasize what all
have in common and creates a greater awareness
of community. This is particularly effective in
the celebration of liturgies on the island. The
Sacrament of Reconciliation has always been and
still is, very central to this penitential pilgrimage.
Its celebration each morning in the Basilica is
a moment of joy and hope for penitents and
priests alike. However it is the Eucharist that
most pilgrims experience as the high point of
their pilgrimage. The liturgy of the Roman Missal
is given full expression, with excellent response
from pilgrims. Young people have key roles in the
welcoming and music ministries.
St Patrick's Basilica - Throughout the season
pilgrims are offered opportunities for spiritual
direction and a counselling service is provided
for any who wish to avail of it. One-Day Retreats were introduced at Lough Derg in 1992. The
retreats are particularly suited to those who for various reasons cannot make the Three-Day
Pilgrimage. These are structured days of prayer and contemplation and do not entail fasting or
walking barefooted, and pilgrims are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The
day finishes with a celebration of the Eucharist.
Life of St.Davog - St.Davog is one of the twelve premier saints of Ireland. He was a disciple
of St. Patrick and founded a monastery on Saint's Island, formerly known as Davog's Island in
Lough Derg. He was noted for the austerity of his lifestyle and it was under his auspices that the
pilgrimage to St.Patrick's Purgatory began on Station Island where one of the penitential beds still
bears his name. St.Davog died in his monastery on Saint's Island where a mound inside the old
fort is traditionally regarded as his grave. It is said to have been marked originally by St.Davog's
Cross, which is still preserved at the ladies' hostel on Station Island. According to the old Irish
Calendarium, the
feast of St. Davog is on
the 14 th July. Pictured
is Msgr Flood on a
boat to Lough Derg
with Station Island
in the background,
along with Bellringer
James Monaghan and
boatman Jim Snow in
late 1970's
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