“There is a cooperative dimension and a willingness to make way for others who might be finding it more difficult.”

“No matter what your troubles, no matter what mistakes you have made or sinful things you have done, you are His son or daughter. You are part of the family. You belong.”

"Croagh Patrick is a physically demanding mountain. Pilgrims should bring with them a set of warm, waterproof clothing, water and a walking stick or staff,” advises the Tuam Archdiocese.

The recording of the concert, presented by Liz Nolan, will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 1pm on RTÉ Lyric FM.

The lessons we learn on this mountain need to be rooted in our everyday routine: great and unselfish teamwork when the person who finds the going tough is granted a helping hand; when the one who stumbles and falls is set on their feet again; when the climber who is confused is welcomed back.

“It is my fervent hope that you will go forward from here to bring joy and hope to the life of the Church in your local parish area and beyond,” says Archbishop Neary.

If an unborn child has a life-limiting condition, it would be “inhumane to withdraw the protection of the Constitution to their right to life”.

“My pilgrims from America join with me in thanking God for the grace and mercy the Lord and his Holy Mother have lavished upon this magnificent shrine” - Cardinal Dolan.

Bishop-elect Kevin Doran pays tribute to Bishop Jones' 20 years at the helm.

Archbishop of Tuam plays down Association of Catholic Priests’ claims over vocations crisis.