Priests invited to minister on Croagh Patrick for Reek Sunday
REEK Sunday falls on July 28, when thousands of pilgrims are expected to scale Croagh Patrick.
Father John Kenny, Administrator in Westport Parish, has issued an invitation to priests to assist with Confessions and celebrating the Eucharist on the summit.
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’.
Said Fr. Kenny: “I am delighted that the three-and-a-half year undertaking to complete the pilgrims’ path on Croagh Patrick has now been complete. Accordingly, and on behalf of the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders’ Group, I welcome all to our annual Reek Sunday weekend pilgrimage that will start on Garland Friday, July 26.
“The stakeholders’ group has been responsible for monumental work in preserving and safeguarding the mountain.
“As it is the largest annual gathering on the Reek, it is essential that Reek Sunday pilgrims - and indeed all pilgrims - play their part in maintaining the mountain. In this context I am highlighting that we all have a responsibility to share in the protection of the mountain’s fragile ecosystem, and I encourage all climbers to stay on the pilgrims' path.
“This request is made in the interest of the safety of climbers themselves, to preserve the mountain’s habitat, and to sustain this special pilgrimage for future generations.”
Fr. Kenny is asking priests from around Ireland to contact him if they are in a position to assist in the following ways on Reek Sunday:
With the celebration of Mass and the hearing of confessions on the summit, to contact him on (098) 28871 or (087) 2401533.
To advise their parishioners by way of including this newsletter notice in their bulletins during July.
The schedule for the Reek Sunday weekend pilgrimage is as follows.
Garland Friday, July 26 - local pilgrimage: 10 a.m. Mass on the summit of Croagh Patrick celebrated by Westport native Fr. Tod Nolan, P.P., Newport; 7.30 p.m. Mass at Murrisk Community Café - Croagh Patrick car park.
Reek Saturday, July 27: 8.30 a.m., Tóchar Phádraig pilgrimage begins at Ballintubber Abbey; 6.30 p.m. vigil Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Westport, celebrated by Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam.
Reek Sunday, July 28: 7.30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Confessions will be heard on the summit; 8 a.m., first hourly Mass on the summit; 2 p.m., last Mass on the summit.