Young Adult Catholics Climb One of the Highest Mountains in Norway to Celebrate Mass on Pilgrimage
Young adult Catholics climbed one of the highest mountains in Norway to celebrate Mass while on a pilgrimage to visit the tomb of Saint Olav, the patron saint of Norway.
The total distance of the climb was approximately 120 kilometers or 74 miles.
The annual pilgrimage organized by NUK (Norwegian Young Catholics) includes young adults from various parishes in Norway. It began between Oslo and Saint Olav's tomb in Trondheim on July 21, taking a train from Oslo to Otta. They walked from Dovre to Kongsvold and took a train to Heimdal. They then walked the final portion of the pilgrimage to the Nidaros Cathedral.
According to Saint Teresia Catholic Church parish administrator and pilgrimage priest Father Josef Ottersen, the 74-mile distance included "a significant climb most days."
"The courageous pilgrims are sustained through vigorous prayer: Lauds and a reflection before walking, some periods of silence, and a few rosaries during the walk, the Angelus, Vespers, Mass, and Compline," Father Ottersen explained of the group's journey. "The last day before going to Trondheim, many took the opportunity to go to confession."
"The literal pinnacle of the pilgrimage was a climb to Snøhetta, the highest mountain in Norway outside the Jotunheimen mountain group," Father Ottersen continued. "Suddenly, the clouds withdrew as if to say the heavens prepared to receive the Eucharistic sacrifice."
Father Ottersen also said the pilgrims "carried pieces of an altar and Mass equipment on their backs."
The mountain is 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level!
Here are the photos of the Mass atop Snøhetta mountain:
Father Ottersen said the group took the same trip "three years ago," but "finished Mass quickly and evacuated due to lightning."
"This time, we had time to make the most of this epic moment. Missa de Angelis echoed over the 'roof of Norway,' the homily traced the history of Divine meeting places on mounts, from Abraham to Moses and Jesus himself, and the Roman Canon was prayed."