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Clogher Diocesan Pilgrimage 2013

 

Each year for the past six years, the Diocese of Clogher has organized and led a Pilgrimage to places of religious, devotional and historical significance. In Augusts 2013 we are hoping to continue this tradition and of extending its variety by going to one of the great European Passion Plays.

Every six years the beautiful village of Erl in the Austrian Tyrol hosts a Passion Play, in which over 600 participants from the Erl community convey the life and death of Jesus Christ in impressive dramatic images.

Passion plays have been a fundamental feature of the religious life of the Tyrol since the Middle Ages. In many cases they were first staged in fulfillment of vows made in a time of war or other times of catastrophe. Time and again in its history Erl, as a village which bordered stronger hostile countries, suffered badly from the effects of war and invasion.

The origins of the Erl Passion play date back to the beginning of the Forty Years War in the seventeenth century, when Continental Europe tore itself apart in the name of religion. The Passion play is a reminder that the consequences of mankind's aggression and divisive selfishness fall ultimately on to the shoulders of the Saviour of the world.

During our time here, we will have an opportunity to visit and get to know the area. Places of interest will be a full day to Salzburg and the Kriml Waterfalls. On the free day we have the optional extra of a visit to Lake Augensee.

I hope that you will consider joining Canon Glenn West, Canon David Skuce and myself on this journey of faith.

Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher


ITINERARY FOR THE ERL PASSION PLAY, AUSTRIA
Wednesday 21st - Monday 26th August 2013

Day 1
Depart Belfast on our flight to Munich. On arrival we are met and transferred to the Schlosshotel Rosenegg in Fieberbrunn for dinner and overnight.

Day 2
Today is a free day to take in the beautiful surroundings or to relax at the hotel and enjoy the facilities.

Day 3 - Erl Passion Play
This morning we travel to Erl for the world famous Passion Play.

Day 4
Today we enjoy a full day tour to Salzburg which includes the Hohensalzburg Fortress (via funicular railway), Salzburg Cathedral, Hellbrunn Palace, Mozart's House and birthplace.

Day 5
We leave the hotel for another full day tour this time to the Krimml Waterfalls.

Day 6
Depart Fieberbrunn and travel to Munich for our return flight to Belfast.