Sydney
31 August 2003
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In
touch with God on the roof of the world
In touch with God on the roof of the world
Himalayan peaks serve as a backdrop for the team who accompanied Fr Morgan on his Everest climb
By Damir Govorcin
“Mt Everest is a place where heaven meets earth,” says Brisbane mountain-climbing priest Fr Morgan Batt.
“You feel a connection with God when you are on top of the world.”
Last Easter Fr Morgan, 39, became the first priest to celebrate Mass on Mt Everest when he led members of his 21-strong party in prayer and worship. He has also celebrated Mass on Mt Kosciusko and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Although he did not reach the summit of Everest, he made it to 7200 metres, climbing the North Col, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the climb by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.
His dream is to climb the highest mountains on every continent - Kosciusko (Australia), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe), Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), McKinley (North America) and Vinson Massif (Antarctica).
Over the past 10 years, Fr Morgan has climbed mountains throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and America.
He says his adventures allow him to get connected with God.
“The Bible tells us that mountains are sacred places,” he says. “Moses, Abraham and Jesus Christ all went up to the mountains and prayed.
“The earth teaches me about my faith … it’s a connection with the land and with other people on a journey.
“I don’t go to conquer mountains, I go to climb them. It’s an experience of body, mind and spirit. Also climbing mountains gives you a chance for reflection and allows you to look for solutions to problems.”
Fr Morgan says people who are not religious have been “changed” by the experience of climbing mountains.
“I have climbed with people who are atheists, who can’t explain what they are feeling when they reach the summit,” he said.
“I look at people’s faces when they reach the summit. Their faces are transfigured and it’s an amazing sight. I know they have been touched by the power of God.”
Apart from mountain-climbing, Fr Morgan’s other duties include being a chaplain at the Australian Catholic University’s McAuley campus in Brisbane, military chaplain at Enoggera Barracks and state spiritual adviser for the Queensland St Vincent de Paul Society.
Fr Morgan puts himself through a punishing training regime consisting of a daily 30km bike ride (on a stationary bike), a 90-minute gym session five days a week and hiking around Mt Coottha hauling a 30kg backpack.
He says his whole body was “smashed” during the three weeks climbing Everest and, as part of his recovery, he has tapered off from his training.
“Everest was an arduous journey which left me physically and mentally exhausted,” he said.
“It took me around 20 minutes to put my boots on each day because everything is so slow because of the lack of oxygen.
“For me, climbing Everest was just a wild experience. It proves problems can be overcome and that nothing is impossible.”
But the dangers are always there. Statistics show that one in six die attempting to climb Everest, but the fear factor is what drives this adrenalin junkie.
“I have a high skill level, having climbed so many mountains around the world, so I suppose it’s always a calculated risk,” he said.
“I have had experiences when I have been literally hanging by a rope, but there’s always a team member to pull you out of your scrapes.”
Fr Morgan, one of four boys from a strong Brisbane Catholic family, was only six when his father died.
Life was a struggle, with their mother having to raise the boys on her own.
“We didn’t have much, but there was always plenty of love at home,” he said. “We struggled, but my brothers and I had plenty of good times together.”
Fr Morgan was ordained a priest 12 years ago.
His mountain-climbing exploits have gained him a certain amount of celebrity status around Brisbane.
Sponsorship by local businesses helps subsidise the expensive cost of travelling and climbing mountains around the world.
“I think I have found a niche in the market because there aren’t too many priests who climb mountains,” he said.
“The sponsorship and support I have received from the community have been nothing short of overwhelming and I thank them.
“I love being a priest … it’s life-giving and challenging.
“I don’t just climb mountains for me. It’s about God and the Church.”
In December, Fr Morgan will take a group of 18 to 39-year-olds on a 13-day faith trek to Nepal.
He is excited about the trip after being approached by Harvest Pilgrimages, which hopes to make it an annual event.
“Most young people like to travel, but don’t have the tools to reflect,” he says. “Putting a God dimension to such an active retreat will be an experience these young people will always remember.”
After Nepal, Fr Morgan will set his sights on Aconcagua, on the border of Chile and Argentina. He plans to climb it in January.
“Aconcagua will be exciting and challenging so as the time approaches I will step up my training schedule which I hope will keep me in good stead,” he said.
“I have learnt to expect the unexpected.”
The cost of the Himalayan Faith Trek, $3995, includes air fares, accommodation, most meals and personal trek equipment. For more information, telephone Harvest Youth Tours on 1800 819 156.