Over 1,500 People Celebrate

“Knock 140” with Archbishop Martin

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin was joined by parishes from throughout his Archdiocese at the annual pilgrimage to Knock last Saturday.

Attendance at the final mass in the basilica was estimated at well over 1,500 where the Archbishop described the Blessed Virgin who appeared at Knock as “Our Lady of Hope”.

There was a great atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support during the pilgrimage among people who had travelled from Dublin to the west of Ireland. Many commented on the prayerful atmosphere at the shrine, especially during the closing mass.

Pilgrims were welcomed by the Rector of the Shrine, Father Richard Gibbons. Father Richard said that Archbishop Martin is celebrating twenty years as a Bishop and fifteen years as Archbishop of Dublin.

The liturgy was greatly enhanced by the wonderful singing from St Mary’s Lucan Chorale Choir and by the presence of so many young, enthusiastic altar servers. There were many younger voices participating in the prayers and readings.

The day began for pilgrims with a number of workshops which focused on the history of the shrine which is celebrating 140 years since the apparition in 1879, spirituality and a pilgrim walk around the Stations of the Cross. There were also a number of events for children and young adults in the Youth Hub which included testimonies on their faith journey by several participants.

With over twenty parishes officially represented and many more parishioners and priests from elsewhere in the Archdiocese present, this pilgrimage is sure to grow from strength to strength in the coming years. It was a memorable and inspiring day for those taking part and it won’t be long before the organising team gets to grips with planning a bigger and even more vibrant pilgrimage in 2020.

Deacon Gerard Reilly, Organising Team Co-ordinator