Lourdes is more for thanking, asking, praying and fun. The masses are large with songs and is like a celebration. The shrine is associated with healing spiritually and physically.
Before Mary came to Bernadette there was no spring. Mary told Bernadette to drink the water and a spring was there from then onwards. People claim miracles have happened there. They have been analysed and there is no explanation for them. Many people go to Lourdes seeking healing and the holy spirit.
They have masses in front of the cave where Mary appeared. There is a statue where they pray in front of. Candles are lit for own intentions and for others they are called votive candles.
The lighting of the candles is held in a procession it is held at night in the main church. Hymns are sung while candles are held by the participants. It signifies although many people speak different languages they are united in belief. The candles remind of Jesus as the light of the world. Many people wash or bathe in holy water for healing. Small bottles can be taken home with them. There are stations of the cross in life size figures so children or people with learning disabilities understand them more easily. There are many opportunities to pray in the pilgrimage. There are private prayers and group prayers. The rosary is often used. The pilgrimage is very relaxing, many people take trips to the seaside and trips up to the mountains, it is a fun time for many people it is made as enjoyable as possible many people who are handicapped go there.
Next year it Is the 150th anniversary of the first apparition of Mary.
Lough Derg is a place of pilgrimage in County Donegal in Ireland it is known as St. Patrick’s
purgatory it has been a place of pilgrimage since the 12th century. When pilgrims go to Lough Derg they fast they are only allowed one meal a day which consists of dry toast and black tea or water. The people who participate in the pilgrimage must go barefooted around the stone remains of monks cells during the two day pilgrimage all of this must be done in silence.
During the first night they must keep a vigil this means staying up all night with continuous prayer.
The pilgrimage is very harsh. You must have a healthy body to take part in the pilgrimage walking softly is to show that they are finding God in the quite. Walking bare footed is a symbol of desiring to do penance. The fasting reminds of the life that St. Patrick lead. It reminds us of Jesus resisting temptation in the desert. There are praying individually and in groups. There are four masses in the pilgrimage.