“We invite you to ‘Walk and Pray’ along the Lough Derg Pilgrim Path,” said Fr La Flynn. “I hope that those who long to be back at Lough Derg on Station Island may at least get to come this far.”
"This has been an incredibly difficult year for so many grandparents around the world. The pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity to make them feel cherished and valued,” says CGA founder Catherine Wiley.
The number of Camino pilgrims is starting to increase, but it is only a trickle, says Fr Eugene Taaffe, PP of St James's Church, Dublin.
The bishop said he was unclear whether parishes can actually have the baptism before the party. He went on to explain that he is not sure whether the legal restrictions have changed or if further clarification is forthcoming.
Striking the right balance between Covid-safety and welcoming pilgrims back to Lough Derg with confidence was the deciding factor, Fr La Flynn said and noted that by its very nature the pilgrimage is a tactile one.
Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam stated that the National Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday is an important annual occasion for many people, and has a long and distinguished history. The Archdiocese of Tuam and the Parish of Westport took the decision to cancel in order to support the public authorities, and everyone’s efforts to suppress COVID–19
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 Eucharist is not meant to be shared with no one. It’s meant to be shared with everyone present. But we do it online and you are most welcome to join us, wherever you are,” said parish priest of Knock, Fr Richard Gibbons.
"The virtual pilgrimage will give us an opportunity to pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Knock for all our intentions. Please God, we will be in a position to visit Knock again in person in the not too distant future," said Archbishop Martin.
"It appears to be the most popular Camino route in Ireland – we are getting people travelling from England and the United States to complete it," says Joe Maguire
The theme of this year’s novena is ‘Mary as friend, sister and mother’ and the devotional observance is being directed by Meath diocesan priest Fr Shane Crombie.
“We were welcomed by families whose focus is now day-to-day survival and whose aspirations have been reduced to bare essentials such as electricity and clean water.”
"The Holy Land Coordination stands in solidarity with all Christians in Israel and Palestine."
Collection on papal visit of 1979 serves as a testament to the warmth, compassion and esteem Saint Pope John Paul II is held in by the Irish people, says Pamela McLaughlin, Veritas marketing manager.
“People are talking more about the blessing of this place and the help and the comfort and the compassion of God that it offers.”
Parishioners were dismayed and disgusted this week when they learned that someone had spray-painted swastika symbols on the cross and nearby oratory.
“There is a cooperative dimension and a willingness to make way for others who might be finding it more difficult.”
“No matter what your troubles, no matter what mistakes you have made or sinful things you have done, you are His son or daughter. You are part of the family. You belong.”
“The weather was good and the water was calm. It was a lovely place to be.”
“It is our duty and a privilege to stand in solidarity with Christians in Palestine and Israel as we seek to understand the pressures that force that decline in population.”
“It is lovely to see young people engaging with their faith and Lough Derg adapting to the times to a certain degree as well.”
“It is a time of blessing and grace for our entire diocese.”
The Church in Ireland must work towards becoming “more authentically the Church of Jesus Christ in a culture that is different”.
Archbishop Michael Neary and Bishop Fintan Monahan lead thousands of pilgrims in Reek Sunday climb of Croagh Patrick.
The Corpus Christi Procession is essentially a missionary movement as it winds its way along public streets and public pathways before ending for Benediction, according to Bishop Nulty.
“We wanted to modernise the interior but also ensure preservation of all the beautiful historic features. People won’t see a drastic change but we hope that they will be very happy with the new look” - Fr Richard Gibbons.
“The pilgrimage will be a witness to hope and will enable us to forge even greater friendships and work yet harder for peace together in the future.”
Speakers will include Camino guidebook author John Brierley, who will be focusing on how the Camino can be “a path of awakening, an inner-journey of self-discovery”.
Spiritual tourism is a growing concept and one that was explored recently by the Spirituality Institute for Research and Education
The pilgrimage to the Shrine of St James the Great in Northern Spain has been popular since medieval times, but in recent years interest in it has grown substantially.
