Everything you need to know about the Papal Visit to Knock on Sunday
Here's is a detailed account of the schedule and all those involved in various preparyions and ceremonies to make the event a success.
• The day will begin with a ‘Gathering Event’ entitled ‘Witness to Faith and Family’
• 8.25am: The bells will ring out for five minutes, signalling the beginning of the gathering. All churches in the family of six dioceses that make up the ecclesiastical province of Tuam are invited to ring their bells at the same time to signal the beginning of the gathering at Knock and to extend a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to Pope Francis
• 8.30am: The hosts – Paul Keogh and Úna Nolan, will introduce the event and a live TV feed of Pope Francis departing Dublin airport for his journey to Knock will be shown on large screens
• 8.40am: Departure of His Holiness from Dublin Airport.
• 8.45am: Morning Reflection Video
• 8.50am: Introduction of Knock Parish Choir and Associates followed by music and hymns focusing on Our Lady
• 8.55am: Video reflecting on Pope Francis’s words to family life today
• 9.00am: Music by Knock Parish Choir and Associates focusing on family
• 9.05am: Witness Ceremony – extracts from the sworn testimony of witnesses will be read by 15 local people dressed in period costume
• 9.15am: Introduction by hosts of the Pope Francis arriving at Ireland West Airport
• 9.20am: Pope Francis arrives at Ireland West Airport (shown on large screens via live feed)
• 9.30am: Preparation by hosts and choir of those gathered for the Holy Father’s arrival – rehearsal of ‘Lady of Knock’
• 9.43am: Introduction of Pope Francis’ arrival at Knock Shrine by the Hosts
• 9.45am: Arrival of the Papal Cavalcade at Knock Shrine; the Pope leaves his transport and gets into Popemobile
• 9.48am: Popemobile travels through the Shrine grounds giving people the opportunity to see Pope Francis; During this time Knock Parish Choir and Associates will provide music and song
• 10.05am: Pope Francis arrives at the left-hand side of the Apparition Chapel in the Popemobile; here Archbishop Neary introduces the Holy Father to the Rector of Knock Shrine, Fr Richard Gibbons; Pope Francis enters the Chapel; bells will ring three times to call the assembly to a period of silent prayer
• 10.07am: Pope Francis will receive a taper from two local children from Knock Parish who took part in the earlier Witness Ceremony – they represent the two youngest witnesses: John Curry (aged 5) and Catherine Murray (aged 8). The Holy Father will light a candle which will be in a display centred on the hewn-out stump of a tree that fell in the Shrine grounds last winter
• 10.10am: Pope Francis sits on a chair in the Chapel. The chair, made especially for the event is an artistic representation of a family chair. Two local families from Knock Parish will sit near the Pope. The Holy Father will then pray quietly.
• 10.20am: Pope Francis will rise and present Rosary Beads to the Shrine, assisted by Fr Gibbons. The angelus bell will ring signalling the end of the period of silent prayer
• 10.22am: Archbishop Neary and Fr Gibbons and his holiness will exit the right-hand side of the Chapel and proceed to the podium.
• 10.25am: Pope Francis delivers an address from the lectern; this address will be in Italian –translation will be provided for the assembly on the large screens
• 10.35am: Pope Francis leads the assembly in praying the Angelus in Latin. The Angelus concludes with Apostolic Blessing.
• 10.40am: Gifts are exchanged between Pope Francis and Archbishop Neary; the assembly sings ‘Lady of Knock’
• 10.45am: Pope Francis is accompanied to his car for transfer back to Ireland West Airport
• 10.50am: The Hosts will lead the congregation in preparing for the Sunday Eucharist while the podium is being prepared
• 11.10am: Pope Francis arrives at Ireland West Airport for his journey back to Dublin
• 11.15am: Mass of 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Principal Celebrant and Homilist Fr Richard Gibbons
• 12.30pm: Short safe home message from the Hosts
Liturgy of Gathering – Witness to Faith and Family
THE HOSTS
Úna Nolan: a native of Co. Kildare. Formerly a music teacher with a strong background in church music, Úna joined the Knock Shrine team in 2007 as a member of the Music Department. She went on to assume the role of Shrine Organist and Director of Sacred Music in 2010, the position she has held since then.
Paul Keogh: married to Sinead and has two young daughters Olivia and Emily. He was the co-founder of Elation Ministries and is lead vocalist with the Christian music group. For over a decade, he has worked closely with the Knock Youth Ministry team and has been a frequent music and event leader at Knock Shrine. A teacher of Business Studies, Accountancy and Religious Education, he is Principal of the College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill, Sligo.
Ecumenical Guests:
Various ministers and members of a variety of Christian Churches are represented at Knock Shrine this morning as guests of the shrine.
Interfaith Guests
A number of representatives of different religious traditions are present at Knock for Pope Francis’s visit, including representatives of the local Islamic Community.
THE STAGE
The three backdrops to the Papal Stage were designed by local graphic designer, Sinéad Mallee, who is based in Knock.
The centre panel measuring 3.5m wide x 6m high depicts a monotone of the Knock Apparition scene of 1879 as a watermark, against a vivid blue background. Blue was chosen to represent the Marian colours and also it is the predominant colour of the World Meeting of Families logo.
The text includes 'World Meeting of Families' with the Knock Shrine logo in gold 'KNOCK – Ireland's National Marian Shrine'. The Apparition scene is taken from the beautiful Mosaic of the Apparition inlaid in the wall of the sanctuary of Knock Basilica which was crafted by Travisanutto Mosaics in Italy, based on a painting by Irish artist PJ Lynch.
The left panel depicts a closer view of the detail of the figures of Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist with some of the Knock Witnesses. Underneath is the World Meeting of Families logo. At the heart of the logo is the family. The map of the world shows that families from all around the globe will come to Ireland for this truly international event.
Pope Francis reminds us that families have a vital role to play in caring for our common home. The red semi-circle with the cross on the top echoes the logo of the Archdiocese of Dublin, which is the host diocese for WMOF2018.
The tri-spiral swirl in the logo draws from ancient Celtic imagery, symbolising the Holy Trinity. The logo includes the date and location chosen by Pope Francis to host the World Meeting of Families: Dublin, Ireland, 21-26 August 2018.
The right panel depicts a closer view of the detail of a lamb and cross on an altar at the gable wall of the Parish Church, surrounded by Angels – representing the Lamb of God. Underneath is Pope Francis' Papal Coat of Arms. The shield has a blue background. In the centre is a yellow radiant sun with the IHS Christogram representing Jesus (the Jesuit logo), a cross piercing the 'H' and three black nails underneath them. On the bottom left is a star representing Our Lady and to the right is a nard flower representing Joseph.
With these symbols, the Pope demonstrates his love of the Holy Family. His motto 'Miserando atque eligendo' – 'having mercy on him, he chose him', is taken from Venerable Bede's homily on the Gospel account of the call of Matthew.
MUSIC FOR THE LITURGY
Music will be provided by Knock Choir and associated soloists and musicians under the direction of the Director of Sacred Music at Knock Shrine, Úna Nolan.
There will be a selection of hymns from contemporary composers such as Ephrem Feeley, Karl Jenkins, Tony Alonso and Tom Kendzia, as well as traditional hymns geared towards congregational singing.
Guest soloists will be Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Anne Marie Gibbons, both of whom have a long association with Knock Shrine. Sibéal Ní Chasaide’s performance will include “Ave Maria” which was specially composed by her father Ódhrán Ó Casaide, for the rededication of Knock Basilica in 2016.
Ódhrán, too, will perform alongside a wonderful group of traditional Irish musicians, including well known Uileann Piper, Mick O Brien. Anne Marie Gibbons has previously performed in Knock on many occasions, including the highly successful Jenkins’ “Mass of the Armed Man” and Handel’s “Messiah”. Anne Marie’s performance will include Gounod’s Ave Maria
8:50: Music focussing on Our Lady.
Traditional hymns to Our Lady, inviting assembled crowd to participate in congregational singing.
1. “When Creation Was Begun” – Paul Decha. Sung by Choir
2. “Hail Queen of Heaven” – John Lingard. Sung by Choir
9:00: Music focussing on Family
1. “ I Will Lift My Eyes” – Tony Alonso Sung by Choir
2. “Ave Maria” – Sibéal Ní Chasaide. This setting of Ave Maria, in a combination of Irish and Latin, was specially composed by Sibéal’s father Ódhrán, on the occasion of the Rededication of Knock Basilica in 2016.
9:05 – 9:15…at conclusion of the Story of the Knock Apparition
1. “Ave Maria” – Gounod. This setting of Ave Maria will be performed by Mezzo Soprano Anne Marie Gibbons.
9:20: Arrival of the Holy Father at Knock Shrine
1. “A Joy For All The Earth” The official hymn for the World Meeting of Families, composed by Ephrem Feeley. Sung by Choir
2. Traditional Irish music by assembled musicians.
3. “Come To The Living Stone” – Karen Schneider-Kirner & Steven C. Warner. Sung by Choir
4. Traditional Irish music by assembled musicians.
10:40: Departure of the Holy Father
“Lady of Knock” Sung by choir and assembled crowd.
10:50: As preparations are made for the celebration of Mass for the Twenty First Sunday of Ordinary Time the various hymns and Mass parts will be rehearsed by the Choir and the assembly.
WITNESS CEREMONY
Fifteen parishioners of Knock Shrine, dressed in period costume, will represent the original witnesses to the Apparition. Entering in procession, they will each share a line or two from the original testimonies given to the Commissions of Enquiry.
Later, the two youngest witnesses will join the Holy Father in the Apparition Chapel during his time of prayer. This time of remembering allows us to connect with the story of Knock and hear, from the witnesses’ own words, what was encountered that August evening in 1879. Some of those participating in the witness ceremony are relatives of the original witnesses.
ARRIVAL OF POPE FRANCIS AT KNOCK SHRINE
Pope Francis will arrive at the rear of the Basilica and will transfer to the Pope Mobile. Accompanied by Archbishop Michael Neary, he will circulate through the gathered crowd giving the people the opportunity to greet the Pope.
Knock Flag: For this special occasion the shrine commissioned a new Knock flag – of blue background with the lamb and cross from the apparition scene and the Crest of Pope Francis. A flag has been distributed to each person gathered.
Knock Primary School: 130 pupils of Knock Parish Primary School will be present with their teachers along the route to welcome the Holy Father as he makes his way towards the Apparition Chapel.
Arrival at the Apparition Chapel: Arriving at the Apparition Chapel, the Holy Father exits the Pope mobile. Archbishop Neary presents the Rector of Knock Shrine, Fr Richard Gibbons, to the Holy Father. All three, along with members of the Papal group, will enter the Apparition Chapel by the right-hand side door.
Sounding of Silence: A bell will sound three times once the Holy Father begins to enter the Apparition Chapel to signal the beginning of a period of intense silent prayer – during this time all present and those joining by television or radio are asked to pray quietly the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for their own families and for families everywhere.
Lighting of Candle: Pope Francis receives taper from two children from Knock Parish Sean Burke and Molly Hunt dressed in period costume representing the youngest witnesses of the apparition – John Curry (aged 5) and Catherine Murray (aged 8) – The Pope is invited to light a candle which is in a display before the statues of the apparition.
Floral Display: The work of Anne Lavin and the Shrine gardening team, the floral display centres on a candle, resting in the hollowed-out trunk of a storm-damaged tree carved by local man, Tom Cunnane and his son Thomás. Amid the dead and chiselled wood, the candle symbolises the light of hope, spoken of by the witnesses of the apparition.
The people at time in 1879 were marked by famine, homelessness, uncertainty and poverty. The centre of the tree features rough strokes, representing the marks of life’s experiences and hurt but the light shines through, rising above the brokenness and casting light. For God is with us even in our brokenness – His light shines through to dispelling darkness.
Among the plants in the display are shamrocks and other shrubs, planted by the Bishops of Ireland at the end of their Spring Retreat in Knock. They remind us in a very particular way, of Pope Francis’ call in his Encyclical on the Environment, “Laudato Si” (2015), to every person to fulfil his/her moral duty to care for our common home. To the right of the display is a stone water font, representing the life-giving waters of baptism.
Papal Chair: The Holy Father sits in silent prayer before the Apparition Gable. The chair he sits on is inspired by a family dining chair. It symbolises the family, the importance of family prayer and in particular the tradition of reciting the rosary together as a family.
The chair has been designed by Gavin Duignan and his craftsmen (ICS Church Furnishers, Dromod, Co. Leitrim) and they have presented the chair to Knock for the visit of pope Francis. Describing the work undertaken in the crafting of this chair, Gavin tells us: “The brief for the chair was to create a modest family kitchen like chair so I gained my inspiration from a traditional three-legged stick chair often seen in Ireland and Wales. The central back panel in maple is shaped to represent Christ in life while the black walnut cross is significant in that he died for us.
"The continuous arms of the chair signify Christ’s unending love for us. In this World Meeting of Families 2018, the open arms are welcoming forgiving and loving all in one. From the onset Pope Francis has been a humble man and I felt it important that the chair too would be humble. In olden times the armed version has been described as a throne for a common man. I can only hope that Pope Francis feels it reflects his humble teaching. The chair is made from solid walnut and maple and uses the contrast of the two timbers to great effect.”
Two Knock Families Present: Among others, two families from the parish of Knock will be present in the Chapel and will pray silently with Pope Francis during this time.
Presentation of Rosary: When the Holy Father ends his prayer and rises he will present a Rosary to the shrine assisted by Fr Richard Gibbons – the Rosary will then form part of the floral display before the statues of the apparition.
Ringing of The Angelus Bell: The Angelus Bell will sound as the Rosary is placed in the display. This signals the end of the solemn period of silence. The Holy Father will exit to the right of the chapel to proceed to the podium to lead the faithful who have gathered in the Angelus Prayer.
Papal Address: Beforehand the Angelus the Holy Father will deliver an address The address will be in Italian and the text will be translated on the large screens. The Pope will be accompanied by a translator and, should he go off script, the translator will relay his words in English to those gathered.
Barbieri Family: The Barbieri family, Davide, Naoimh (nee Leogue), Mark, James, Anna, John Paul, Chiara Luce and Francesca from the Parish of Knock will visibly represent all families at the Angelus. This family has been living in Knock since 2007. Davide, a former addict, came to Knock in 1999 and was involved in the Cenacolo centre to help people battle addiction.
THE ANGELUS
Following his address, Pope Francis will lead the gathered crowd in praying The Angelus – the prayer recalling the moment of the Annunciation, when Our Lady was asked to become the mother of Christ and found, from within, the faith, hope and love to say “Yes, your will be done”.
The Angelus will be prayed in Latin – the “universal language” of the Catholic Church.