Over the coming days, thousands of pilgrims are expected to pay a visit to Knock Shrine for the annual National Novena to Our Lady of Knock running from August 13 to August 21.
This year’s novena, themed ‘Sheltered in God’s Love’, also marks the 50th anniversary of Knock Basilica, which a spokesperson for the Shrine said will celebrate its “enduring role as a place of prayer, hope and welcome for generations of pilgrims across Ireland and abroad”.
The National Novena has been running since 1977, one year after the opening of the Basilica of Our Lady of Knock.
Daily ceremonies will take place in Knock Basilica at 3.00pm and 8.00pm on each day of the novena, featuring guest speakers “whose personal stories and reflections explore faith in contemporary life”.
Among this year’s speakers are broadcaster Mary Kennedy; Bishop of Raphoe Niall Coll; and Bishop of Achonry and Elphin Kevin Doran.
Meanwhile, the Anointing of the Sick is to take place daily at 2.30pm, while workshops will run at 12.45pm on the novena’s themes. A traditional candlelight procession through the Shrine grounds will close out each day, if the weather permits.
Sunday, August 16, will see the Shrine celebrate “Family Day”, which will begin with a blessing of families at 11am and continue with free activities, games and interactive workshops.
The novena concludes August 21, the anniversary of the apparition at Knock in 1879.
Events to close the novena include the “Witness Walk”, which retraces the footsteps of the original witnesses to the apparition and is followed by a final evening ceremony in the Basilica.
Commenting on the upcoming events, Parish Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine Father Richard Gibbons said that every year the National Novena offers people the chance to “pause, pray and experience the peace that Knock has offered pilgrims for generations”.
“This year’s theme, ‘Sheltered in God’s Love,’ reminds us that, whatever challenges we carry, God remains our refuge and our hope,” Fr Gibbons said.
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Knock Basilica, we look forward to welcoming pilgrims from every parish and every walk of life to share in these special nine days.”