Mount Saint Mary: Difference between revisions

Although the peak itself is not particularly high nor the slope especially treacherous, the pilgrimage is a long and arduous undertaking because the path to the statue was cut around the elongated mountain ridge according to an intentionally involuted and circuitous design to maximise its length, and includes impediments and obstacles to the pilgrim's progress built into the route. The route is meant to be difficult in order to be conducive to spiritual exercise and penitence. The officially recommended time for a healthy adult male pilgrim to complete the route properly is three days. Waypoints along the path include {{wp|Stations of the Cross}}, devotional areas, and two ossuaries.

Monks of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, whose monastery stands at the base of the mountain, operate aid stations for pilgrims at various points along the route, see to the corporal and spiritual care of pilgrims, operating water stations along the route and leading prayer services at various points.