FORMER prior of Lough Derg, Monsignor Richard (Dick) Mohan, who has died, will be fondly remembered by thousands of people from Ireland and throughout the world, the pilgrimage centre has said.
A native of Coonian, Co Tyrone, Monsignor Mohan died at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen on New Year’s Day following a short illness.
As one of the longest serving priors of Lough Derg, Monsignor Mohan was well known to the thousands who undertook the Lough Derg pilgrimage each summer. He served as prior for more than 20 years, from 1991 to 2013.
Located on Station island on Lough Derg, Co Donegal, St Patrick’s Purgatory has been a place of Christian pilgrimage since the fifth century. Pilgrims traditionally take part in a three-day retreat on the island during which they abstain from food and sleep while carrying out a series of set prayers. In more recent years, Lough Derg has also provided one-day retreats.
Announcing news of Monsignor Mohan’s death, a spokesman for the Clogher diocesan office said he also served for many years as diocesan religious advisor to schools.
A spokesperson for Lough Derg said Monsignor Mohan would be “fondly remembered” by the thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.
"His legacy will live on at Lough Derg not only in the development of the fabric of the island but also, and perhaps more so, in the friendships made with staff and pilgrims and in the great pastoral support that he is renowned for," they said.
Monsignor Mohan’s funeral Mass will take place at the Sacred Heart church in Clones tomorrow at noon with burial afterwards at St Joseph’s cemetery, Coonian.
