'Burn out or rust out': Nine years at a Donegal pilgrimage has taught 'La' Flynn a thing or two

Monsignor Laurence 'La' Flynn has stepped down from his role as Prior of Lough Derg after nearly nine years leading the spiritual life of the pilgrimage site. The decision comes as part of a routine retirement process for clergy members upon reaching the age of 75. Flynn, known affectionately among pilgrims and staff as 'La,' will no longer oversee the daily operations and pastoral care of St Patrick’s Purgatory, more commonly called Lough Derg due to its location within the lake of the same name in County Donegal. Lough Derg is a centuries-old pilgrimage site, with origins tracing back to the 5th century. It is renowned for its rigorous three-day pilgrimage, during which participants engage in fasting, prayer, and introspection, often walking barefoot along the shores of the lake. As Prior, Flynn led the spiritual and pastoral activities of the site, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually for the three-day pilgrimage, as well as shorter retreats and other programs. His final three-day pilgrimage took place last week, marking the end of his tenure. During the concluding Mass of the pilgrimage, Flynn delivered a brief address acknowledging the transition. He expressed gratitude toward the pilgrims, noting the emotional impact of their kind words and support throughout the past few days. “It was my chance to thank the pilgrims and to appreciate some of them who had been kind enough over the previous few days to say things like, ‘Oh, we hear, Father, that you’re going, you’ll be missed, and the island won’t be the same without you,’” he recalled. Flynn has long emphasized the importance of deep listening in the context of the pilgrimage. He described the experience as a unique opportunity for individuals to explore their personal faith journeys with honesty and sincerity. “It’s a very privileged space to be in,” he said. “It was here that I have learned to listen to people beyond the surface.” In today's fast-paced world, he believes meaningful communication is increasingly rare, and the pilgrimage provides a rare setting for thoughtful exchange. Flynn first visited Lough Derg as a teenager in the 1960s, later returning as a newly ordained priest. Over the years, he completed the three-day pilgrimage more than 40 times, sometimes seeking guidance on specific matters and other times simply embracing the rhythm of the season. He noted that the number of young people participating in the pilgrimage declined significantly during the 1980s and 1990s, but recent trends suggest a gradual resurgence. This year, close to 4,000 individuals undertook the three-day pilgrimage, with a noticeable increase in participation from young men aged in their early to mid-30s. Pilgrims are encouraged to leave their mobile devices behind on the island, a practice that Flynn observed has become less contentious over time. “We used to have to persuade and motivate people to do this, but there’s no sense that we have to police that now,” he remarked. Many younger pilgrims, he noted, value the respite from constant connectivity, finding peace in the silence and stillness of the island. As Flynn prepares for life beyond his role as Prior, he acknowledges the changing landscape of religious leadership and the evolving expectations of both clergy and congregants. While some priests choose to remain active beyond the traditional retirement age, others opt for a quieter life. Flynn’s departure marks the end of an era, yet the legacy of his work at Lough Derg continues to shape the spiritual lives of countless pilgrims.