"We cannot and should not expect to return to where we had been prior to Covid-19," says Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam.

"The chapel on the mountain top has been closed all summer and the toilets on the mountainside are not being maintained," says the administrator of Westport Parish, Fr Charlie McDonnell. 

Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam stated that the National Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday is an important annual occasion for many people, and has a long and distinguished history. The Archdiocese of Tuam and the Parish of Westport took the decision to cancel in order to support the public authorities, and everyone’s efforts to suppress COVID–19

“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.”

"The pastoral councils on both islands are vital to the life of the parish. In many ways they are an example of what we are now trying to do on the mainland – lay-led ministry." – Fr Patrick Burke

Speakers will include Camino guidebook author John Brierley, who will be focusing on how the Camino can be “a path of awakening, an inner-journey of self-discovery”.

Every family is sacred and must be respected by everybody no matter what its difficulties, says Archbishop Michael Neary.

Special focus on the family in preparation for World Meeting of Families 2018 as pilgrims invited to wear a special sticker as a symbol of bringing families with them in prayer as they made their ascent to the summit.

Pilgrims intending to make the annual Croagh Patrick pilgrimage this Sunday are advised to have appropriate footwear and clothing, to bring a stick, carry a charged mobile phone and ensure they have adequate food and water.

“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.

"We literally follow the paths traced by our ancestors, women and men of faith, who kept that faith despite the opposition they faced, despite poverty and discrimination and emigration and famine."

Retired Westport parish priest, Fr Tony King, has called for the annual Reek Sunday climb to be suspended for three years in order to conserve the sacred mountain.

On the feast of the Holy Family, Archbishop Neary suggests that “An awareness of the beauty of marital love must be constantly renewed and safe-guarded."

For the first time this year Reek Week to be awarded to those who complete mountain climb.