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.

More: https://www.houseofbrigid.org/2909/climbing-croagh-patrick#