There is a pilgrimage site that I would love to visit someday. It is called “St. Patrick’s Purgatory” located on an island in Lough Derg in northwest Ireland. According to legend, Jesus appeared to St Patrick there and gave him a glimpse of purgatory. Since then people have flocked to the site to pray, to do penance, and to be purged of their sins.

It is a three-day retreat experience. Pilgrims are asked to remain barefoot for the entire stay. Then they begin a 24-hour non-stop prayer vigil. Only on the second day are they allowed to sleep. A strict fast is observed – only one meal a day consisting of dry toast or oatcakes and weak tea or coffee. Mass is celebrated and, of course, the sacrament of Confession.

Lough Derg is regarded as one of the most demanding pilgrimage sites in all of Europe. Still the site is almost always booked out for months ahead. People know deep inside. It’s worth anything we can endure to drive out those nasty snakes, like St. Patrick did, and to get our spirits right with God. Getting rid of our sins will bring more joy than any pot of gold. St. Patrick, pray for us on our journey of Lent.