One week left in Croagh Patrick pilgrimage

THERE'S one week left in the 'new look' Croagh Patrick pilgrimage.

The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage, cancelled last year due to Covid, has been going ahead this year in an extended format, from Wednesday to Saturday, throughout the month of July, instead of the traditional focus on the last Sunday of the month, Reek Sunday.

The change of format was made in the interest of public health due to the pandemic.

In thanking priests and pilgrims for their support in making the 2021 Croagh Patrick pilgrimage so far a success, the Administrator of Westport Parish, Fr. Charlie McDonnell, said: “The 2021 Croagh Patrick pilgrimage, which is operating differently this year, continues to work well. By spreading the pilgrimage out over the month, we have placed safety first and have given tremendous flexibility to pilgrims who wish to climb Ireland’s holy mountain.

“In previous years, the pilgrimage season has stretched from June to September and religious facilities were only afforded to pilgrims on the last Sunday of July, Reek Sunday.

“However, this year’s novel and adventurous departure has successfully broadened the availability of sacramental and other faith ministries provided by the Church, not only on the summit of Croagh Patrick but also for the first time ever at the base of the mountain where adoration and confessions have been made available.

“I sincerely wish to thank priests and pilgrims for all their support and cooperation in making the 2021 pilgrimage season a success to date.”

Continued Fr. McDonnell: “There is now one week left for pilgrims to avail of what is being provided for this year’s pilgrimage, throughout Wednesday to Saturday.

“We thank God that it has been a case of ‘so far so good’ and I encourage pilgrims to plan their trip carefully from a personal safety perspective.

“The pilgrimage will conclude on the morning of July 31, the day after Garland Friday, when by tradition the last Friday in July is dedicated to local people who wish to climb Croagh Patrick.”