By Maricel Bedra

Today Catholic Ireland is going through a crisis. Undreamed of wealth has arrived along with a nightmare of scandals. Young people struggle to deal with the new reality. Some leave the church, some drift into indifference, a small but growing number even commit suicide. But some remain faithful and Maricel Bedra, a Columban Lay Missionary from the Philippines, joined these youthful people in an arduous pilgrimage of the Holy Mountain, the mountain of Patrick, the original apostle of Ireland. She shares the experience with us.

I had no idea how far 50 miles was by foot until I did it myself when I joined the four-day pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain of St. Patrick which was organized by the Columban Fathers. They have been organizing and inviting friends to join in this journey to renew our Christian faith which was brought by St. Patrick to the Irish people 1500 years ago. The invitation was appealing to me because of my interest in mountain climbing as my special way to commune with myself, with nature and with God.

We Started Out Few

The pilgrimage started in Knock, the National Shrine of Our Lady, with a Taize prayer led by a Jesuit priest. It was a mood setting, silent meditation and awareness of God and one’s self. We were just 20 on the first day and what’s amazing was that we were a multi-national group French, Fijian, Filipinos, Koreans, Scottish, Irish. It was exciting to meet new friends from other lands and as we went along the numbers grew.

Trekking through History

From Knock, we walked to Belcarra, 12 miles away, where we stayed overnight. The accommodation was great, the hosts were warm and hospitable – an experience of real Irish hospitality. On the way next day, we visited some ancient abbeys like Ballintubber and Mayo. These abbeys have a magnificent history of their own. A story of struggle, faith and hope during the dark years of persecution. Another station along the way that I really loved was Church Island, a small islet surrounded by water, where peace and solitude could be found. What struck me in that island was how they utilized every single creature to tell the creation and salvation story.

Goal: The Reek

The pilgrimage concluded on Sunday the long walk to the Holy Mountain, situated in the west of Ireland. We started early with the morning praise and some instructions given by the organizer, Columban Fr. Tom Murphy.

We arrived at the foot of the mountain ahead of time so we rested, had some hot food and drink and somebody started singing songs that helped to wake us up. I felt a thrill of the anticipation as we glimpsed the clear summit of the mountain far off in the distance, hoping to get there with sound body and spirit.

Stations to Complete

There were ‘stations’ on the way to the summit which is pilgrim tries to complete. The 1st station was at the base of the mountain which consists of circular mound of stones where the pilgrim walks around seven times, while reciting seven Our Fathers, seven Hail Mary’s and the Creed.

The 2nd station was at the top at a rock which is called St. Patrick’s ‘bed’. Legend has it that St. Patrick slept there. A pilgrim kneels down, recites the same prayers as at the first and walks seven times around St. Patrick’s ‘bed’ saying the prayers.

The 3rd station consists of three mounds of stones. A pilgrim walks around each of the mounds while reciting the seven Our Father, seven Hail Mary’s and the Creed. That finishes the stations.

Barefoot Pilgrims

Climbing up the side of the mountain was exhausting. The stones were loose beneath our feet and it was very steep; every step I took had to be carefully done. Despite the exhaustion, what kept me moving was the encouragement of a fellow pilgrim, a hand from a stranger, a challenge from those people who were walking barefoot and my own determination to get there. I was able to face my own fears and recognized my strength. The stones I tread on became reminders of the people who have supported me through life. Each of them has made a great contribution to who I am today. I picked up a jagged stone to symbolize my human shortcomings and limitations and to be thrown away when I reached the summit. And I picked up a smooth-surfaced stone to remind me of the wanted change in myself which comes with God’s love and mercy.

Sacred Experience

At last we reached the summit. I had conquered the fear and had attained the desire of my heart. It was a wonderful feeling: awe and deep gratitude to God for this opportunity. The countless isles below, the cool breeze, the gentle clouds, everything was beautiful. An experience of sacredness clothed with peace and joy.

No wonder St. Patrick came here as do thousands of Christian followers around the world to experience this holiness, this awesome presence of God. So did I.