Ruadhán Jones
Fr Charlie McDonnell praised the “support and cooperation” of priests and pilgrims in making the extended Reek Pilgrimage season a success.
Traditionally, the last Sunday of the month – called Reek Sunday – was dedicated to making pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been going ahead this year in an extended format from Wednesday to Saturday, throughout this month of July.
Fr McDonnell, Administrator of Westport Parish, Co. Mayo, praised the “tremendous flexibility” the extended season allowed for pilgrims to climb “the holy mountain”.
It allowed for increased availability of sacraments and other faith ministries, while Adoration and Confessions took place on the base of the mountain for the first time ever.
“I sincerely wish to thank priests and pilgrims for all their support and cooperation in making the 2021 pilgrimage season a success to date,” Fr McDonnell said.