Croagh Patrick, St. Patrick’s Stack, The Reek. That which we call a mountain by any other name would it hurt my bare feet?
This weekend, Sarah and I joined 30 Notre Dame students who are studying abroad all over Europe in a weekend pilgrimage which including the climbing of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain. It is said to be the mountain which St. Patrick himself climbed up, and pilgrims have been hiking up its hillside ever since. Those who are feeling especially penitential will climb the mountain barefoot, and apparently we had a contrite batch of students, as at least a third of the group climbed up the hill sans footwear. In all seriousness, it was beautiful to watch them experience the physical and spiritual journey of the mountain. We made frequent stops for short reflections and prayers, and each time we paused, we were reminded of how blessed we are to live on this beautiful Earth.
I was personally touched by the interactions between students. It was a strenuous journey, but one that was made together as a group. I saw so many students reaching out to their fellow hikers, offering a hand to hold. Just as beautiful was the acceptance of this help, the admittance that it wasn’t a journey that everyone could have made by his or herself.
The peak of the hike was a Mass hosted at the chapel that sits atop Croagh Patrick. It was the perfect way to share the struggles, successes, pains, and moments of love that had been experienced throughout the day.
With all shoes on deck, we hiked down the mountain and continued on our pilgrimage to Vespers at Kylemore Abbey. Be on the lookout for more on our time at that stunning Benedictine monastery.
With love from Dublin,
Angie
Note: My hiking boots were on the whole time. And miraculously, no feet were harmed in the making of this pilgrimage. Thanks be to God!
