Details of National Novena at Knock Shrine announced

The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock will take place from Sunday to Monday, August 14 to 22, offering nine days of reflection and prayer and a chance to connect with your faith in the unique and sacred space of Knock Shrine.

This year’s theme is ‘A Journey in Hope’.

Following a two-year break due to the pandemic, Fr. Richard Gibbons hopes to make this year extra special for all who will be travelling to the shrine to take part.

He stated: “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.”

Ceremonies will take place at Knock Basilica at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. over the course of the nine days with guest speakers present during each ceremony.

There will also be the special candlelight procession, a traditional feature of the Novena at Knock, which takes place following the 8 p.m. ceremony (weather permitting).

On Thursday, August 18, Knock Shrine will hold a special Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine and are inviting people from the Ukrainian community in Ireland and host families to attend.

Family Day

Sunday, August 21, is the Anniversary of the Apparition which will coincide with the Family Day.

Taking place from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.

There will be outdoor activities taking place on the green (weather permitting) and marquees with indoor workshops, games and more.

Engaging with the Synod

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 us to listen to what you think Knock Shrine has to offer you and the Church in Ireland at this critical juncture in our history.

Novena Programme: Guest Speakers

Sunday, August 14

3 p.m.: Most Rev Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, What is Christian Hope?

8 p.m.: Cormac Henry, former Youth Volunteer at Knock Shrine, What Gives me Hope Today?

Monday, August 15

3 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Roseanna Ruane, mother of Saoírse Ruane, The Power of Prayer in Difficult Times.

Tuesday, August 16

3 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Dr. Nicola Brady, chair of the Synodal Steering Group, The Synodal Pathway: What have we learned and what will we do?

Wednesday, August 17

3 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Fr. Terence Harrington OFM Cap, How Can I Have Hope in my Brokenness?

Thursday, August 18

3 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Halyna Teslyuk, Ukrainian Catholic University, Lviv, Ukraine, A Hope that Inspires

Friday, August 19

3 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Lauren Conroy, student, My Faith Story

Saturday, August 20

3 p.m.: Fr Michael McKeever, Diocesan Secretary, Diocese of Raphoe, Eucharist: a Sign of Hope

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

Sunday, August, 21 the Anniversary of the Apparition

3 p.m.: Most Rev Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, They will take their place at the Feast

8 p.m.: Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector, Knock Shrine, Knock – the Vision of Hope

Monday, August 22

3 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Most Rev Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam, The Call of the Lord

Further details can be found here.