Lough Derg and Its Pilgrimages; with Map and Illustrations

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 edition. Excerpt: ...Oge MacManus Maguire died this year. He was Canon Chorister at Armagh, and in the bishopric of Clogher, and Dean of Lough Erne, and Pastor of Inniskeen, in Lough Erne, and the representative of a Bishop" i.e., Vicar-General "for fifteen years before his death. He was a precious stone, a bright gem, a luminous star, a treasury of wisdom, and a fruitful branch of the Canon; and a fountain of charity, meekness, and mildness; a dove in purity of heart, and a turtle in chastity; the person to whom the literati, and the poor, and the destitute paupers of Ireland were most thankful; one who was full of grace and wisdom in every science to the time of his death, in law, physic, and philosophy, and in all the Gaelic sciences; and one who made, gathered, and collected this book from many other books. He died of Galar Breac " (the small-pox) "on the tenth of the calends of April, being Wednesday, Ixo. anno aetatis suae. And let every person, who shall read and profit by this book, give a blessing on the soul of MacManus (i.e., Cathal Maguire)." In the decree of Pope Alexander VI., we can observe the vigilant care with which the Church guards her holy places against even the least infringement of the established and authorized discipline. "Holy Church," says one of our great writers, "neither admits nor encourages, even by silence, anything contrary to truth, virtue, or piety." Hence, in the case of Lough Derg, she did not hesitate to interrupt that pilgrimage until the abuses complained of had been removed. But, as the interval during which it was closed was only of short duration, we may conclude that Rome soon after lent its sanction to the place; and thus the pilgrimage, without further let or...