First girl baptised on top of famous Mayo mountain

Family members have travelled from Florida and Barcelona to see baby girl Alexandra Haack, dressed in her baptism gown, become the first girl baptised in the oratory of the church on the summit of Croagh Patrick.

Proud father Oscar and a cousin took it in turns to carry baby Alexandra up to the 764-metre high summit. 

She joins her brother, Patrick, as one of only two children to be baptised on the holy mountain. Indeed Patrick was named after Croagh Patrick. 

It continues something of a family tradition, as their parents, Oscar and Andrea, were married on the Reek in 2022. 

The christening took place this afternoon in the church at the top of Ireland's Holy Mountain.

Fr John Kenny, who was celebrant for both baptisms and the wedding, told The Mayo News: "Today’s celebration was a wonderful way to celebrate the Jubilee year Pilgrims of hope. Especially, with so much sad news in the world, it’s nice to have good news happening.”

After descending from the mountain, Alexandra’s elated mother, Andrea, was very grateful to Fr Kenny: "He has been so amazing. He came up and made everyone feel so comfortable and blessed and explained the history behind it. He is such a kind person.”

The kindness of people in Westport and the surrounding areas “keeps drawing us to coming back”, Andrea says.

Proud mother Andrea Haack with her daughter Alexandra after the historic christening

The Haack family’s connection to the Reek began in February 2016, she explains: "When we first came, we didn't know how much meaning there was to the mountain and the church on top.”

“It was February and the weather was really bad and it was so windy at the top, I was on my knees. The sun came out and it’s very magical to see the sun come out and the weather improve. It was really meaningful, it did feel that God was there. For us, it was a very special moment and it has drawn us back.

“You do feel closer to God. It makes you think as you go up, doing the prayers. It really helps you stop the rhythm of day to day and connect with nature and God. That’s the experience we’ve had every time that we have come.”

After a busy day scaling Croagh Patrick, the celebrating family and their traveling party were looking forward to a well earned meal in JJ O’Malleys on Bridge Street in Westport. 

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