Lough Derg 2021:

Published on June 8, 2021

Lough Derg 2021: Lough Derg regrets that it will not be possible in 2021 to reopen Station Island for the Traditional Three-Day Pilgrimage or even for the autumn programme of Day Retreats. Lough Derg will again offer the opportunity to “Do Lough Derg from wherever you are” on 3rd – 5th July.

The outdoor Pilgrimage on the Lough Shore Pilgrim Path will also be available as the summer goes on. Further information from Lough Derg office 0(0353) 71 9861518 or www.loughderg.org.

Reflection

Jesus tells his disciples to look at him and touch him. Then he asks them for something to eat. What does Pope Francis say we can learn from these three actions of Jesus?
The second verb is to touch. By inviting the disciples to touch him, to verify that he is not a ghost—touch me!— Jesus indicates to them and to us that the relationship with him and with our brothers and sisters cannot remain “at a distance.” Christianity does not exist at a distance; Christianity does not exist only at the level of looking. Love requires looking and it also requires closeness; it requires contact, the sharing of life. The Good Samaritan did not limit himself to looking at that man whom he found half dead along the road: he stopped, he bent down, he treated his wounds, he touched him, he loaded him onto his mount and took him to the inn. And it is the same with Jesus himself: loving him means entering into a communion of life, a communion with him.
Being Christian is not first a doctrine or a moral ideal; it is a living relationship with him, with the Risen Lord: we look at him, we touch him, we are nourished by him and, transformed by his Love; we look at, touch and nourish others as brothers and sisters.
Pope Francis,