Pilgrims are invited to take off their shoes and “do Lough Derg from afar”.

People are invited to fast and pray to ask God to free us from this pandemic, to support those who are fighting it, and to comfort those who have been afflicted, says Bishop Donal McKeown.

The data reveals that Ireland is unique in its dependence on schools in preparing for and celebrating the sacraments.

The season of Lent is meant to help us to clarify our Christian vision and, above all, to bring our lives into conformity with the life of Jesus Christ.

The film follows the story of several pilgrims arriving on Lough Derg and reflects on how the pilgrimage still manages to reach out to those seeking time out from the stresses and pressures of contemporary living.

“Suicide touches everybody regardless of whether you have faith or not. It is no respecter of age, gender, background, class or religious denomination,” said Fr Deery.

"Let it not be said of us that we were stingy or miserly in showing mercy to others in this Year of Mercy."

Starting with a shrine in Siberia, 84 Marian shrines all the over the world will host thousands of people reciting relays of the rosary over a 24-hour period.

Up to 15,000 pilgrims visit Lough Derg every year (mainly from May to September) and this has been steady for the last number of years.

“Taking time to come on pilgrimage to Lough Derg offers an opportunity to empty oneself and to find ones true self," says prior.

Archbishop Martin dedicates new altar in Dublin parish.