Call for extra priests in ‘ambitious’ Croagh Patrick pilgrimage project

Pilgrims have been welcomed back to Croagh Patrick this year with an “ambitious project” which aims to extend access to the sacraments for the pilgrimage from Wednesday to Saturday this month, July 1-31.

The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to this, the administrator of Westport Fr Charlie McDonnell said: “Each year, while all of the spiritual benefits of the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage have been available to pilgrims from June to September, up to now the Sacraments have only been available on Reek Sunday.

“This year, due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, it would be impossible to facilitate the pilgrimage on one day only so I am arranging to greatly extend provision of the Sacraments for pilgrims throughout the month of July,” he said.

“Reek Pilgrimage 2021 is an exciting and ambitious project to undertake and will require great generosity on the part of lay volunteers and priests alike.”

Archbishop Michael Neary will celebrate Mass at 6.30pm on the eve of Reek Sunday, July 24 in Saint Mary’s Church, Westport.

Fr McDonnell appealed to priests across the country to become involved as this year they will need three times as many priests. Those interested can contact Fr McDonnell at frchaz@me.com.