Archbishop celebrates first Reek Sunday Mass
Archbishop Francis Duffy, celebrated his first Reek Sunday Mass since his appointment last year and the lifting of Covid restrictions.
The Bawnboy-native and Archbishop of Tuam joined pilgrims as the annual Reek Sunday and Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage returned to the traditional format last weekend for the first time since 2019.
Archbishop Duffy celebrated Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Westport, to mark the beginning of the 2022 pilgrimage.
Archbrishop Duffy was appointed to the role by Pope Francis in November last year, and formally installed the following January to oversee what is one of the largest Archdioceses in the country, covering Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and stretching out onto the islands.
Prior to this, Archbishop Duffy had been Bishop of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, which takes in some parishes in south County Cavan.
Thousands of pilgrims turned out to climb Croagh Patrick last weekend, enjoying pleasant weather conditions and magnificant views of Clew Bay.
In his first Reek Sunday homily, Archbishop Duffy said mountains, and one as majestic as Croagh Patrick, prompt us to seek a bigger picture.
"Whether we are at the summit or on the lowlands, this towering piece of earth and rock ushers in thoughts of perspective, things seem different, a new view of a changing landscape.
"The landscape of the Catholic Church in Ireland, as you know, has been changing for some time and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
"The Catholic Church in Ireland has formally entered a Synodal Process. I am convinced that this is the way to go and it will be a fruitful new departure."
At his installation in Tuam he remembered saying the Synodal Process is a "pathway not a runway".
"If faith in Christ is not at the centre of the synodal pathway, then what we have is merely a talking shop.
"There are no quick fix solutions or approaches as we reflect on and consider our Church.
"Instead we journey together on a path that will have many twists and turns and will not always be easy.
"All developments, innovations and continuity must serve Jesus Christ."