Chai Brady
Archbishop Michael Neary climbing the Croagh Patrick in a previous year.
Credit: Unknown Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam has asked the Faithful to put aside a day for God each week while the Sunday obligation is lifted due to the coronavirus, in his homily for Reek Sunday.
Despite the Reek Sunday pilgrimage being cancelled this year, several people still braved the Croagh Patrick climb, some not wearing shoes.
Archbishop Neary celebrated vigil Mass on the eve of Reek Sunday at St Mary’s Church in Westport.
Speaking of the Sunday obligation, he said: “One fruit of the Covid-19 experience I hope has at least begun to blossom is a newfound understanding and appreciation of the centrality and importance of the Sabbath in our lives.
“While it was necessary for pastoral reasons to lift the obligation to attend Mass each Sunday during the pandemic, the human need to set aside a dedicated day for God each week, and the human need to rest from the non-essential tasks assigned to the other days of the week, remain.”