EDITORIAL: This year's annual Croagh Patrick pilgrimage is a special one

IT has been one of the wettest Julys on record, but it is hoped that at least some of next weekend will see some fine weather as the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick is expected to bring thousands of visitors to west Mayo and the surrounding area.
The recent Diocesan clerical changes mean that the hugely popular administrator of the Westport parish, Fr Charlie McDonnell, is leaving Mayo for the parish of Athenry. It is therefore fitting that Reek Sunday 2023 will see Archbishop Eamon Martin join Fr McDonnell and thousands of pilgrims of all ages for the pilgrimage to the summit of Ireland’s holy mountain.
Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland will celebrate Mass with Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy in Westport this Saturday, July 29, before celebrating Mass again on the summit of Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday.
This year’s Reek Sunday pilgrimage has also been designated a key event in the Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood, which is taking place across Ireland over 2023 and 2024.
Fr McDonnell has said he is delighted Archbishop Martin will celebrate Mass in Westport and on Croagh Patrick.
Regarding the dedication of this year’s Reek Sunday pilgrimage to vocations to the priesthood, Fr McDonnell has said:
“Our Church needs vocations to the priesthood like never before. No doubt it is a challenging time to minister as a priest, but in my role I find that serving the people of God in today’s counter-cultural environment is nothing short of a faith-enriching experience. I love being a priest, and I draw spiritual strength from the people I meet every day on the journey of life.
“For this Reek Sunday, I invite any man who is considering a vocation to the priesthood to avail of the opportunity to come to Croagh Patrick and pray, climb and reflect with other priests and members of the faithful. To help raise awareness of vocations, a special ‘Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood’ stand will be in place on Reek Sunday morning, at the base of Croagh Patrick, to offer information on the priesthood.”

Mountain preservation
Father McDonnell has also spoken of the importance of conserving the natural environment of Croagh Patrick for future generations.
“Croagh Patrick is an iconic feature of the Mayo landscape and is of significant natural, cultural and spiritual importance,” he said.
“In recent years the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders’ Group has achieved monumental success in helping to preserve and safeguard the mountain. However, we cannot do this alone. As the largest annual gathering on the Reek, it is essential that Reek Sunday pilgrims – and indeed all pilgrims – play their responsible part to sustain this holy site for future generations.
“The Church has actively engaged with other stakeholders to undertake the Sustainable Access and Habitat Restoration Project to provide a robust path for access, and to restore the eroded parts of the mountain. In this regard, we are committed to minimising the impact of the pilgrimage on the drinking water of the mountain streams, on the local community and on other users of the mountain.”

Best practice
To achieve these aims, each pilgrim is asked to adhere to the following best practice guidance.
If you are traveling by car, car-pool if you can, park responsibly and follow the instructions of stewards on the day. While climbing, stay on the defined path on the mountain (where in place) and do not encroach on the adjoining habitat, which may be in the process of restoration. Be respectful of the mountain streams, which provide drinking water to the local community. Support the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle by not discarding litter on the mountain and by appropriately disposing of any that you might come across. Finally, as dogs are not permitted on Croagh Patrick, please do not bring them to to the mountain.
From 8am on Reek Sunday, Mass will be celebrated on the hour outside the chapel on the summit. The full schedule for the 2023 annual pilgrimage, which takes place from Garland Friday, July 28, to Reek Sunday, July 30:
Garland Friday, July 28 – Local Pilgrimage. Mass celebrated on the summit of Croagh Patrick by Westport native Father Tod Nolan at 10am. Mass at Murrisk Community Café at the base of Croagh Patrick in the car park at 7pm.
Reek Saturday, July 29 – Tóchar Phádraig pilgrimage. Walk starts at Ballintubber Abbey at 9am. Mass concelebrated for the opening of the pilgrimage in Saint Mary’s Church, Westport, at 6.30pm by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, and Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam.
Reek Sunday, July 30. Confessions for pilgrims on the summit of Croagh Patrick, 7.30am to 2pm. First hourly Mass on the summit celebrated by Father John Kenny, Parish Priest of Partry, at 8am. Mass celebrated by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore at 9am. Aifreann Lán Gaeilge ar barr Cruach Phádraig celebrated by Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe, at 10am; Mass celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, at 11am.
All pilgrims are wished a safe journey next weekend.