The first Reek Sunday pilgrimage up Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain,’ Croagh Patrick, since the passing of Pope Francis took place last weekend, in a multi-day long tradition that thousands participated in. Entering into this new chapter with Pope Leo, Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy kicked off the pilgrimage weekend by expressing a desire for positive change and unwavering hope.
In his homily delivered last Saturday evening at the Vigil Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Westport, Archbishop Duffy outlined ‘hope’ as the ultimate “fuel for living,” for ourselves and in others.
He continued: “Pope Leo maintains that Christian hope always urges us to be more daring, to think big, to be dissatisfied with things the way they are,” and highlighted the pope calling on all people to be “revolutionaries” for progress.
Last Saturday was also the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, reinforcing the connection to hope through the “encouragement of older people,” said the archbishop, emphasizing the significance of many generations participating in the same tradition.
“It is providential that the two events meet on this day because the pilgrim path to the summit of the Reek has been made holy by the feet of those who have walked it before us, people who often had very little except for their faith and the virtue of hope,” Archbishop Duffy said.
The first ecumenical prayer service in the history of the pilgrimage was held at the summit this year, continuing the theme of bringing people together. Leaders from different Christian denominations preached the topic of the pilgrimage, gave readings, and said prayers together. “A novelty for some, [and] fit for the Jubilee year,” said Fr John Kenny, PP of Westport.
