The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage will take place this weekend on Ireland’s holy mountain Croagh Patrick. This pilgrimage has been carried out uninterrupted for more than 1,500 years. Croagh Patrick has some 100,000 visitors annually with up to 20,000 people expected this weekend.
On Reek Sunday Mass will be celebrated on the summit at 8am and every half-hour thereafter until the last Mass at 2pm. The 10am Mass will be celebrated in Irish and Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam, will celebrate Mass at 10.30am. Pilgrims may avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the summit from 7.30am to 2.30pm.
On Garland Friday, July 29, locals traditionally make the pilgrimage. The Eucharistic Congress Bell will be taken up to the summit of Croagh Patrick by a group of young people on Friday morning. Fr Tod Nolan will celebrate Mass at 10am on the summit. The Congress Bell will stay on the summit of Croagh Patrick until the end of the pilgrimage on Sunday.
The Tuam Diocesan Vocations Committee will have a marquee at the foot of the mountain to promote vocations and distribute some literature.
All those who intend to make the pilgrimage climb are asked to arrive prepared for the current weather conditions, to bring suitable warm/waterproof clothing, good footwear, a walking stick/staff, and water, and to be mindful of the safety of themselves and other pilgrims.
