PILGRIMAGE TO ST CONAL'S ISLAND - Led by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ - Inniskeel, Narin- Raphoe Diocese

Catch a rainy snapshot of the extraordinary annual pilgrimage to Inniskeel, St Conal's Island at Narin. Low tide opens the sandy causeway, parting the waters and allowing the pilgrims a brief window to visit this holy place. The ancient monastic site where St Dallan was myrtered and is buried beside his great friend St Conal. The island is designated a National Monument. Fr Philip Daly, who has long been a great champion of the pilgrimage was accompanied by his brother priest Fr Aodhan Cannon. They were delighted to welcome Bishop Alan McGuckian, S.J. to undertake the pilgrimage for the first time. In fact, as Fr Daly reminded the pilgrims, he was only the second bishop to visit the island since bishop, later Cardinal, O'Donnell about 120 years ago. The Turas was completed with a poignantly beautiful Benediction and prayer in the roofless Church of St Conal. The resplendent Monstrance juxtaposed against the wet and weathered grey stones of the ancient altar was a powerful image of the continuity of the faith. The strains of Kieran Kennedy's rendition of Faith of our Fathers never seemed so fitting. Pilgrims departed across the sands, spiritually full and full of good spirits. They were gifted a bottle of Holy Water from St Conal's Well, to accompany the beautifully produced pamphlet, detailing the history and stations of St Conal's Island. Great thanks goes to Fr Daly and the Downstrands parishioners who worked so tirelessly to organise and deliver an event which few there will ever forget! Everyone is welcome to join this ancient pilgrimage next year and, walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, rediscover the roots of our Irish christian heritage. LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to keep up to date with our new videos.    / @dioceseofraphoe   Instagram.   / dioceseofraphoe   Facebook.   / dioceseofraphoe   Website. https://www.raphoediocese.ie