Experiencing the Reek Sunday Trek of Croagh Patrick, Ireland
For thousands of years, Irish and international pilgrims alike have braved the 765-metre climb up one of Ireland's most prominent holy mountains to perform penance, keep an age-old tradition alive, and pay tribute to Saint Patrick, the conqueror of formally prominent pagan sites including this very mountain.
This particular occasion made it abundantly clear that even the most undesirable weather conditions would not hinder the multitudes from completing their annual journey. Pilgrims that seek penance by attempting to complete the (nearly vertical) climb over the damp, often sharp rock in their bare feet, may even feel that the howling winds and thick mist actually add to the challenge that lies before them.
The deep sense of community, tradition, and culture undoubtedly overpower the usual feeling of dread avid hikers and hermits alike feel upon approaching an overcrowded trail. Even though each group or individual makes the climb independently, it feels as though everyone is working together to reach the top.
Families of four covered in plastic ponchos, the wrinkled and gray-haired stabilized by wooden walking sticks, the groups of young boys dressed in sweatpants and sneakers, the American with his guitar slung across his shoulder, the Spaniard weighed down by his sodden jeans, the monks wrapped in their layered brown and white robes, young women in their hiked-up skirts, the heavily ornamented bagpiper…
No matter dress, origin, language, or age… rain or shine, each individual becomes a unified link in the chain of the thousands working their way towards the top.
It is at the peak where the truly determined may stick around in the heightened wind and rain for an outdoor mass at the summit chapel, wait their turn in line for confession, or take a moment to pray and leave offerings of want and thanks.
And just like that, the slips, stumbles, and shivers back down the mountain buzz with the anticipation of much-welcomed dry clothes, hot coffees, and joining up with the lads later that afternoon to watch Gaelic football. After partaking in this spectacle, there is no doubt that Croagh Patrick will come to life with religious devotion and cultural heritage on Reek Sunday for centuries to come.
