Ireland: Knock National Novena returns to traditional format

Knock Shrine

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office

Next week, the National Novena to Our Lady of Knock will return to its traditional format for the first time since 2019. The theme for this year is 'A Journey in Hope' and the novena will run from Sunday 14 until Monday 22 August. More than 8,000 pilgrims are expected to attend each day at the Shrine. As in years gone by, over the course of the novena the pilgrimage will offer nine days of reflection, prayer and a chance to reconnect with one's faith in the unique and sacred space of Knock Shrine.

Following a three-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Knock parish priest and Rector of Knock Shrine, Father Richard Gibbons said: "as we gather together to give thanks at our beautiful Marian Shrine, I hope to make this year extra special for all those pilgrims who will be travelling to the Shrine to take part in the annual novena."

On each of the nine days, ceremonies will take place at Knock Basilica beginning with concelebrated Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm, followed by contributions from guest speakers. There will also be the special candlelight procession, a traditional feature of the Novena at Knock, which takes place following the 8pm ceremony (weather permitting).

Fr Gibbons said: "The purpose of the Novena is to recognise the unique role that Knock, as an International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, has to play in the life of the Irish Church and to honour Our Lady. So many of the people who joined us online over the course of the pandemic are now coming back to visit the Shrine which is great to see. The Novena is always a very special highlight of the year, and we are delighted to be able to proceed with it this year. We look to the future with the hope of renewal, for God's guidance and pray that this Novena will offer pilgrims the chance for thought-provoking reflection and discussion."

A unique feature of this year's Novena will be the 'Synod Tent', where members of the public will be invited to learn more about the Synod and what it means for all of us. It will also provide an opportunity for pilgrims to listen to the ideas of what others think Knock Shrine has to offer and the Church in Ireland at this critical juncture in our history.

Sunday 21 August is the Anniversary of the Apparition, which will coincide with the Family Day. Taking place from 11am - 3pm in the beautiful grounds of the Shrine. The Family Day is a lovely opportunity for families to get together to enjoy a range of fun activities. All events and activities are free of charge and will take place on the beautiful grounds of Knock Shrine, close to the award-winning Knock Museum and Café Le Chéile.

Novena Programme: Guest Speakers

· Sunday 14 August

3pm: Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, on What is Christian Hope?

8pm: Cormac Henry, former Youth Volunteer at Knock Shrine, on What gives me Hope today?

Monday 15 August Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

3pm and 8pm: Roseanna Ruane, mother of Saoírse Ruane, on The Power of Prayer in Difficult Times

· Tuesday 16 August

3pm and 8pm: A Day of Thanksgiving for the Irish Contribution to the Universal Synod. Dr Nicola Brady, Chair of the Synodal Steering Group, on The Synodal Pathway: What have we learned and what will we do?

· Wednesday 17 August

3pm and 8pm: Father Terence Harrington OFM Cap, on How Can I Have Hope in my Brokenness?

· Thursday 18 August

3pm and 8pm: A Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine. Halyna Teslyuk,

Ukrainian Catholic University, Lviv, Ukraine, on a Hope that Inspires

· Friday 19 August

3pm and 8pm: Lauren Conroy, student, on My Faith Story

· Saturday 20 August

3pm: Father Michael McKeever, Diocesan Secretary, Diocese of Raphoe, on Eucharist: a Sign of Hope

8pm: Professor John Feehan, Geologist, Botanist, Author and Broadcaster, on God in Everything that Lives: A Reflection on Laudato Si

· Sunday 21 August, the Anniversary of the Apparition

3pm: Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, on They will take their place at the Feast

8pm: Father Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector, Knock Shrine, on Knock - the Vision of Hope

· Monday 22 August

3pm and 8pm: Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam, on The Call of the Lord

The National Public Novena to Our Lady takes place each year at Knock Shrine, Archdiocese of Tuam, to coincide with the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The novena runs for nine days and offers pilgrims time and space to reflect, pray and an opportunity to reconnect with one's faith in the unique and sacred space of Knock Shrine. Two sessions are held daily, namely at 3pm and 8pm. Both sessions commence with Concelebrated Mass in the Basilica followed by a Procession to the Apparition Gable. A procession of the Blessed Sacrament is held in the afternoon, and a beautiful candlelight procession takes place at night. Prayer leaflets can be obtained in any of the Shrine Offices.

Visit: www.knockshrine.ie for more information, and to view the Novena 2022 Brochure.