On Bank Holiday Monday, over 200 pilgrims gathered on Mullaghgarve for the Annual Mass at the Mass Rock, held during this Jubilee Year marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. We are grateful to Fr Sean Kelly, OFM Cap, for sharing the following reflection on this special occasion.
Below is a piece from Fr Sean.
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 of endurance, wind speaking of freedom, and heather speaking of beauty in simplicity.
This Mass Rock reminds us that faith survives through courage, community and Christ at the centre. In this Jubilee Year, we are called to keep the flame of faith burning—not with fear, but with joy; not with secrecy, but with the freedom that St Francis cherished.
As pilgrims descended the mountain and gathered for refreshments, there was a profound 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.”