Reek Sunday falls on 28 July, when thousands of pilgrims are expected to scale Croagh Patrick (2,510ft/765m), Ireland’s Holy Mountain, to pray and to 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’.
Father John Kenny, Administrator of nearby Westport Parish, Co Mayo, said, “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, 26 July. 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 Pilgrim’s 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.”
Father Kenny is asking priests from around Ireland to contact him if they are in a position to assist in the following ways for Reek Sunday:
- With the celebration of Mass and the hearing of confessions on the summit on: +353 (0) 98 28871 or +353 (0) 87 240 1533
- To advise their parishioners by way of including this newsletter notice in their bulletins during July.
Schedule of events
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.
2:00pm Last Mass on the summit
(TBC. Aifreann Lán Gaeilge ar barr Cruach Phádraig)