Review article
SAINT PATRICK’S PURGATORY IN LOUGH DERG
Gordana Galić Kakkonen
; Faculty of Philosophy, University of Split
Abstract
In the article entitled Saint Patrick’s Purgatory in Lough
Derg the author discusses the legendary origines of this famous
pilgrimage site located in co. Donegal, Ireland. In the Middle
Ages, especially in the early Middle Ages, pilgrimage was very
appriciated and present concept in Ireland; that was the era of
hermits, early monastry founders and askets. Often, the concept
of ideal pilgrimage was connected to the Irish people. The Irish
concept of pilgrimage unifies the apostolic mission and ascetism.
Furthermore, the connection between pilgrimage sites and natural
features has been discussed in this article. Therefore, St. Patrick’s
Purgatory was founded in relation with a cave.
According to a legend St. Patrick visited Lough Derg along his
travellings and spent some time there. During that time he also
founded, with God’s help, a cave which represented a purgatory
on earth. All that happened to allow him to convince pagan Irish
disbelievers. This was probably the most peculiar pilgrimage
destination on the face of the earth. In the Middle Ages, lots of
sinners were visiting the place and entering the cave in order to
purify their sins. Today, hardly anyone outside Ireland has heard
of it. It is not known how this place actually became poplar. Until
the 12th century its history is almost unknown. We only know
the legend about the creation of the purgatorial cave, described
by later biographers of St. Patrick. Unfortunatelly, there is no
evidence on this event in the documents. Therefore, St. Patrick’s
visit to Lough Derg has to be considered as a legend.
Keywords
St. Patrick; St. Patrick’s Purgatory; Middle Ages; Pilgrimage; Irish Pilgrimage Concept
Hrčak ID:
24856
URI
Publication date:
21.3.2008.
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