My call out for participants for this project reached Lough Derg, an inland island in Donegal, which many people know as ‘St Patrick's Purgatory’. It’s an ancient pilgrimage site that dates back to the 5th century. Each summer, thousands of people descend on the island and take part in a 3 day pilgrimage. They walk and pray barefoot, they fast and they stay awake for the duration of the first night and following day.
I went to the island, not as a pilgrim, but to meet a very interesting man. Father La Flynn is the prior of Lough Derg and this year he is celebrating 50 years since his ordination. We chat about how a priest's role in the community has changed during his time, as well as all the things he's learned.
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