- Reek Sunday theme: ‘To pray for and honour grandparents and the elderly’ #ElderlyandGrandparents
On this Sunday, Reek Sunday, thousands of pilgrims are expected to scale Croagh Patrick (2,510ft/765m), Ireland’s Holy Mountain, to pray and participate on the summit in the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession), and of the Eucharist. Pope Francis has designated 2024 as a Year of Prayer, and this year’s pilgrimage theme is: ‘To pray for and honour grandparents and the elderly’ #ElderlyandGrandparents.
Schedule for Reek Sunday weekend pilgrimage
Today, Garland Friday, 26 July – Local Pilgrimage
10.00am Mass on the summit of Croagh Patrick celebrated by Westport
native, Father Tod Nolan PP Newport
7.30pm Mass at Murrisk Community Café – Croagh Patrick Car Park
Reek Saturday, 27 July
8.30am Tóchar Phádraig Pilgrimage begins at Ballintubber Abbey
6.30pm Vigil Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Westport, Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam
Reek Sunday, 28 July
7.30am until 2:00pm, Confessions will be heard on the summit
8.00am First hourly Mass on the summit
10.00am Aifreann Lán Gaeilge ar barr Cruach Phádraig ag ofráil le Sagart Stephen Farragher PP Béal Átha hAmhnais, Contae Mhaigh Eo, Ard-Deoise Thuama
2.00pm Last Mass on the summit
ENDS
Faith history
Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick has been undertaken for over 1500 years, and this iconic physical feature on the southwest Co Mayo landscape is of significant natural, cultural and spiritual importance. The pilgrimage is associated with Saint Patrick who, in 441 AD, spent forty days and nights fasting on the summit, following the example of Christ and Moses. The name ‘Reek Sunday’ comes from Patrick’s ability to Christianise many pagan customs including the festival of Lughnasa, which previously heralded the start of the harvest festival honouring the ancient pagan god Lugh, whose name is encompassed in the Irish language word for August: Lughnasa. This festival’s tradition became absorbed into new Christian beliefs and locally become known as Domhnach na Cruaiche (Reek Sunday). A virtual tour and additional information on Croagh Patrick can be viewed on tuamarchdiocese.org and on westportparish.ie.
Safety advice for pilgrims and caring for Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is a physically demanding pilgrimage. Intending pilgrims should make themselves aware in advance of health and safety information about the mountain. Pilgrims should also heed the instructions of stewards, the mountain rescue teams, Order of Malta, and Gardaí. While it is a custom for some to make the climb barefoot, pilgrims should come prepared for changeable weather conditions, and are advised to bring suitable warm/waterproof clothing, good footwear, walking stick/staff and water, and to be mindful of the safety of themselves and others. See mountaineering.ie and mayomountainrescue.ie/index.php/advice/safety-and-equipment
To sustain the tradition of the national Reek Sunday Pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick, and to protect the mountain, the Church has actively engaged with other stakeholders to undertake sustainable access and habitat restoration. This project has provided a robust path for access – the Pilgrims’ Path – as well as restoring eroded parts of the previous path on the mountain. As part of Church’s support for the project, there is a commitment to minimise the environmental impact of the pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick. To achieve this goal, pilgrim climbers are respectfully asked to comply with the following guidelines:
– If traveling by car, please park responsibly and follow the instructions of stewards on the day.
– Stay on the defined path on the mountain and do not encroach on the surrounding area.
– The mountain streams provide drinking water for the local community. Be respectful of this while on the mountain.
– We strongly endorse the ‘Leave no Trace Principle’. Therefore please not to discard any litter on the mountain and to bring all waste home.
– Dogs are not permitted allowed on the mountain. Please respect this requirement. The mountain is part of a shared working farm.
