Fr John Kenny of Partry Parish, Co. Mayo, is interviewed by RTE’s Carole Coleman on Croagh Patrick, July 2, 2021. Fr Kenny celebrated Mass for people doing the Reek pilgrimage. It was a busy weekend on the Reek, Fr Charlie McDonnell of Westport Parish said, as Masses and Confessions were available for pilgrims for the first time in two years.
Fr McDonnell said it was “heartening” to be able to provide religious facilities for people doing the pilgrimage.
“Normally we’d only have one day to provide services, this year it’s 19,” Fr McDonnell said. “That’s a positive thing. There’s more than twice as many Masses as there would be on Reek Sunday, and we’ve Irish Masses as well.”
More than 60 people attended the Masses over the weekend, along with 20 people for Confessions. Fr McDonnell said they hope to add a Blessed Sacrament chapel at the bottom of Croagh Patrick, as well as a Confession station.
Meanwhile, Fr John Kenny, who celebrated Mass on Croagh Patrick on Friday July 2, said it provides a “wonderful opportunity” for pilgrims.
“It’s certainly appealing to people, that there’s an opportunity to attend Mass on the Reek for those, as it were, spiritually inclined,” Fr Kenny said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.”
The Reek pilgrimage traditionally takes place one Sunday every year. This year, to maintain social distancing, it will be held across 19 days.