Our second Lough Derg value: Respect

If our first Lough Derg value is Welcome, I hope it is true to say that we follow that up with respect: Respect for the freedom to come as you are, whatever life experience you may bring.

For very many of our pilgrims, this finds vivid expression on the Three Day Pilgrimage in the tradition of laying aside all footwear to go bare-footed for their time on the Island.

Again and again we hear our pilgrims comment about how the bare feet underline a sense of a shared common humanity. To be barefooted together challenges the false sense of entitlement that we may sometimes adopt towards others – even unconsciously and in subtle ways.  Lough Derg can literally ground us, inviting us into a more compassionate and respectful way of regarding one another.

We pause for a few moments to ponder the teaching of Jesus, and his promise: Do not judge others, and you shall not be judged.

Watch Fr La reflect on the first Lough Derg value ‘Welcome’ here

Keep up to date regularly with Lough Derg here