出版社：Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split
摘要：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.
