Faith on the Mountain: Annual Mass at Mullaghgarve Mass Rock

Over a hundred people climbed Mullaghgarve this morning—through mist, drizzle, and finally bright clearing skies—to celebrate the Annual Mass at the Mass Rock during the Jubilee Year marking 800 years since the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. What began wet and uncertain became a beautiful, breezy gathering of faith and gratitude. Six priests, including three Franciscans, stood at the ancient altar where generations before us once gathered in secrecy. Today’s celebration honoured those friars who risked their lives during Penal times to bring the Eucharist to the people, and the faithful who protected them. In the homily, Fr. Sean Kelly, OFM,Cap reflected on how this mountain has held the faith of our ancestors like a cupped hand. The Franciscans who once climbed these hills carried little more than a chalice and a courage that came from God alone. Their footprints may be gone, but their faith is alive in us. Saint Francis himself loved mountains—places of silence, simplicity, and closeness to God. Standing at Mullaghgarve, creation seemed to preach its own homily: rocks speaking endurance, wind speaking freedom, heather speaking beauty in simplicity. This Mass Rock reminds us that faith survives through courage, community, and Christ at the centre. And in this Jubilee year, we are called to keep the flame burning—not with fear, but with joy; not with secrecy, but with the freedom Francis cherished. As we descended the mountain and gathered for refreshments, there was a sense of gratitude for the past and hope for the future. Mullaghgarve continues to echo the ancient Franciscan prayer: “Deus Meus et Omnia” — My God and my all.