Pilgrims prepare to scale 'scared mountain'

Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 02:19 PM

Pilgrims preparing to tackle Ireland’s "sacred mountain" were told today that the challenge ahead of them symbolised the need to regenerate the Catholic Church.

Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary urged walkers to look down from Croagh Patrick and see with a clearer vision the task facing them.

Thousands of worshippers are expected to scale the 765-metre Co Mayo mountain tomorrow.

The annual pilgrimage attracts climbers from across the country – many of whom even tackle the peak in bare feet.

In his homily today, Archbishop Neary told the pilgrims that the climb symbolised the challenge to make the Irish Church a more vibrant one.

He said: “The exciting challenge for all of us is to strengthen, develop and renew our church in a changed and changing Ireland, especially at parish level.”

“May we look down from this sacred mountain and see with clearer vision the exciting task and challenge ahead.”

He said that dioceses throughout Ireland were aware of the falling number of priests and of the closure of convents.

“This surely prompts us to have a fresh look at the challenges of tomorrow,” he added.

Last year’s pilgrimage saw an estimated 25,000 people climb Croagh Patrick, down on the previous year’s figure of 30,000.

In keeping with tradition, many pilgrims begin their ascent after midnight having fasted the previous evening.

However, climbing before dawn is discouraged, especially when weather conditions are not favourable.

Many of last year’s pilgrims said the weather was the worst they had ever experienced.

The summit is the holy ground on which St Patrick rested, fasted and reflected during 44 days of lent in 441 AD.

According to legend, it is also where the saint went to banish all the snakes from Ireland.

It has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.