Croagh Patrick
Even though we are in the middle of the holiday season, I am cognisant that the Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick has taken place and has done so since before St. Patrick brought it under the aegis of Christianity. Different studies have shown that pilgrimage walking has salutogenic (health-fostering) and self-therapeutic potential and can be viewed as a proactive approach to solving stress, coping, and health problems. It is therefore worthwhile to incorporate a pilgrimage into our health care routine, even if it is only a short one to a local holy well on its ‘pattern’ day, many of which were undertaken during the Lughnasa period of early August.
The journey to Ireland's Croagh Patrick is part of the Lughnasa festivities. Thousands of pilgrims ascend the 760-metre mountain on the third Sunday in July, but the Reek was revered as a sacred place long before Patrick's time. Some people climb it barefoot, which adds to the difficulty, as the terrain underfoot is mainly scree and is unstable, thus providing a tough test of endurance. Physically, the climb gives a beneficial cardiovascular workout as well as muscular training, but it also develops balance and boosts stamina as one traverses the rocky path.
Reaching the top brings a sense of satisfaction and emotional release, and this experience has been documented in modern studies on the health benefits of pilgrimage. The sense of community experienced along the way also supports the ritual of climbing The Reek. People of all ages undertake it, and they encourage one another on the path upwards. This fosters a sense of belonging. Finally, the rigorous journey and the prayers at the top of the mountain provide spiritual rejuvenation for many of those undertaking it.
St. Olav Way.
I am now going to mention another pilgrimage route, and one that may not be very familiar to readers. This is the St. Olav Way, which spans 640 km in Norway, following ancient paths from Oslo to Trondheim. In status, it equalled the famous Compostela de Santiago and even pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem in previous centuries. Similar to Croagh Patrick, this pilgrimage now draws a contemporary, diverse group of people, many of whom are looking for health, self-discovery, or meaning rather than purely religious objectives.
People who followed Saint Olaf's Way reported long-term benefits, such as improved mental, physical, spiritual, and social health as well as increased happiness, according to one pilgrimage study (Jørgensen, 2020).
What are the mechanisms that contribute to the health benefits of making a pilgrimage?
The first of these is walking. Walking, whether it's up a mountain or along a path, is a repetitive movement similar to repeating a mantra. Such activity allows for the processing of emotions in a more profound way, as the repetition of walking allows the mind to become still and so better able to confront emotional issues.
The benefits of ritual walking with nature include self-therapy, a beneficial effect on mood, and the development of tenacity, coping, and coherence during the pilgrimage that can be transferable to daily life when the pilgrimage is completed.
Secondly, being immersed in a natural environment improves a person's sense of well-being and allows them to be present to the world around them.
Thirdly, shared tales and companionship along the way promote transformation and reduce loneliness.
Finally, there is an element of letting go, seeing problems with a new perspective, and better sleep as one travels the pilgrim route.
A pilgrimage is also a journey to a place apart. They are places where ordinary life is suspended, and one leaves the present behind. These places evoke a sense of collective belonging, which facilitates healing and transformation that are not possible in one’s everyday routine. They allow people to ponder, struggle, heal, and return to their daily lives with a new sense of purpose. This engenders a sense of purpose and contentment.
Going on a pilgrimage includes a complete paradigm of healing. It integrates physical exertion, absorption in nature, social connection, spiritual involvement, and being present in the moment.
Jørgensen, Nanna Natalia; Eade, John; Ekeland, Tor-Johan; and Lorentzen, Catherine A.N. (2020) "The Processes, Effects and Therapeutics of Pilgrimage Walking the St. Olav Way,"
Read in detail about Croagh Patrick here.