St Patrick’s Pilgrimage Purgatory

[sillydoll]

With bare feet, they shuffle around the island muttering prayers; pain and suffering writ on their faces and a rainstorm breaking over them.
An ancient pilgrimage set in what medieval Christians called “the ends of the world” is undergoing a revival in Ireland as economic woes prompt a spiritual reawakening.
St Patrick’s Purgatory, on Station Island, a rocky islet in the midst of Lough Derg, was once Christendom’s premier pilgrimage. Its renown was based on the belief that it was a gateway to the next world and a place where penance could be matched to any sin.

More here....
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 729647.ece

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Oh yes and 24 hour fasts with only black tea and dry toast. I have a copy of lecture notes from a talk given by the Abbot where he said they were "marketing hell".

Interesting but not my idea of fun