What is involved in pilgrimage?

There are over 5 million people that come to Lourdes a year, and it is a good way to get closer to God and change peoples lives. There is many ways that it can change a Christian's life and their beliefs. The pilgrimage's is not just all about praying, as it helps people relax and meet new people who might be sharing the same experiences as them.

At Lourdes there are many English and international masses, there is also the Blessed Sacrament procession and blessing of the sick which relieves dieing people of their sins. As well there are the Stations of the Cross.

There is also the very famous miracle baths at Lourdes that wash away sins and are claimed to heal people's disabilities and also heal illnesses. One of the main focal points at Lourdes is the grotto, it is claimed to have 'special healing powers.' The focal point of the pilgrimage is the Grotto itself. Here people make visits and find great peace, consolation and healing. Each pilgrim becomes lost in his or her prayerful thoughts, while at the same time, being mindful of the suffering of others all around. It is here we especially remember the people back home who had asked us to pray for them.

Lough Derg has a very different approach to pilgrimage. It is an excellent example of the physical journey. Lough Derg is an island off the coast off southern Ireland it is also known as the St Patrick's Purgatory. The pilgrimage at Lough Derg is seen as a type of penance. You go there for three days, and they are a hard three days. At Lough Derg you are expected to starve and wear no shoes. You are allowed to eat dry toast or oat cake and drink black coffee. You do this to remind yourselves of the way St Patrick lived when he was a monk. The aim is not to have fun but to get as close as possible to God. The pilgrimage is about praying and reflection on the pilgrim's life. The self-discipline helps to provide spiritual growth to take place. During the 48 hours of the pilgrimage there is; an all night vigil, renewal of baptismal vows, four masses, the sacrament of reconciliation the way of the cross', the rosary, and walking round the penitential beds. The whole point of the Pilgrimage to Lough Derg is for the pilgrims to go without the luxuries that they have at home. Then they start to realize how lucky they are and really appreciate the small amount of food they actually get. You have to be over 16 to go on the Lough Derg pilgrimage. When you are at Lough Derg on your journey, you are expected to carry the rosary round with you and say 2400 prayers.

Lough Derg is different to Lourdes in the way that you have to be 16 to go there and you can go to Lourdes as a child. Also sick people go to Lourdes to be healed whereas this is not an aspect of Lough Derg. The two pilgrimage destinations are similar because when people have finished their pilgrimage they really feel that they have achieved something. After a pilgrimage to Lough Derg people would be more thankful for the luxuries that they have in everyday life.

686 words

Callum Quigley 10B

Mr. Fahey