“No matter what your troubles, no matter what mistakes you have made or sinful things you have done, you are His son or daughter. You are part of the family. You belong.”

The phrase ‘Rest in Peace’ goes back to the very earliest days of the Church – with the words ‘dormit in pace’ found on Christian tombs from the 4th century.

Pilgrims intending to make the annual Croagh Patrick pilgrimage this Sunday are advised to have appropriate footwear and clothing, to bring a stick, carry a charged mobile phone and ensure they have adequate food and water.

Effects of footfall from 100,000 pilgrims every year has resulted in a substantial amount of erosion.