What Doherty are you?
I remember the first time someone asked me that question when I came to live in Derry as a young adult over 30 years ago. It seemed like an odd question to be asking a complete stranger. Being born and raised in England, it’s a question that would never arise. We were the only Doherty’s in Newcastle under Lyme, so I suppose it wasn’t hard to work out who we were. Now I realise it is part of the charm of being part of a closely knit community. Although Derry has changed a lot since I arrived and people might be less inclined to ask such a question for fear of sounding intrusive. It’s a sad reflection on our society as we seem to have become much more guarded about what we share with those around us.
I recently had the great privilege of being part of the Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes where sharing my proud Derry routes was often a conversation. I was around fourteen years of age when I last went to Lourdes and although I had nice memories of the pilgrimage, I had no big urge to return. I have a great love for Medjugorje and have been fortunate to visit the place on many occasions, so I suppose I didn’t feel the need to go to Lourdes. But this year’s pilgrimage to Lourdes was one of the most beautiful experiences that I can recall. I have reflected quite a lot of the trip since, asking myself the question what made it so special? We had around 160 pilgrims on the trip and I can honestly say that there was a peacefulness and joy that resonated throughout the whole week. I had deep meaningful conversations with people that I had never met before and prayerful, joyful interactions with others, even if it was simply a passing smile or friendly greeting. We were all one.
I can’t think of one person that caused me to lose my peace and I know that others have retold a similar experience of the visit. I truly believe that the Derry warmth and familiarity played a huge part in making the pilgrimage such a wonderful experience.
The young and the not so young complimented each other and I witnessed acts of deep sincerity and goodness that could only be explained by the working of the Holy Spirit. There was a time when three flights would be needed to carry the Derry pilgrims and please God that will happen again soon.
I have no doubt that Our Blessed Mother calls each person to these special places. I know many people who have resisted the opportunity to go, only to discover that when they answered the call their lives were impacted dramatically for the good. I was deeply touched by the huge crosses that people were carrying silently and without fuss. The sharing’s were so special, yet the people who were suffering the various pains and losses, carried them lightly. Smiling and present with me, interested in my journey as I was deeply touched by their own. Lourdes does that, it is a place of healing and love. I know now why it has always been a favourite for the Derry crowd!
Shaun Doherty is a Deacon of the Derry Diocese, a Seminarian at Beda College Rome and a member of the Columba Community, Derry and Donegal.
