"One of the features of the Jubilee of Hope is an emphasis by Pope Francis on popular piety, such as places of pilgrimage, wayside shrines, both strongly associated with this area and county. In addition there are local shrines, patterns, holy wells, Knock, Ballintubber Abbey and of course our churches, prayers and practices. There is a religious instinct in us that can lead us to pause, to think, to look up and ponder. It goes beyond what can be measured, calculated and defined. It is real, it is there, in each of us; allowing it to blossom can make an enormous difference. Croagh Patrick, brings our thoughts right back to the start of Christianity in Ireland. There is something biblical about the reek, something awe inspiring. John the Baptist, preaching his good news of repentance, Saint Patrick preaching the faith, generations of clergy following on that pattern, generations of families, our ancestors, allowing that faith to keep stoking the embers of hope and charity down through the ages. So yes, in Ireland, in this very parish, there is a lot of heritage and wonderful to keep going, to appreciate and value in new ways for the present and future generations. We are pilgrims of hope.

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