Knock National Novena to return to its traditional format next week

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, August 14, until Monday, August 22.

In excess of 8,000 pilgrims are expected to attend each day at Knock 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, Fr. 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 and 8 p.m., 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 8 p.m. ceremony (weather permitting).

Fr. Gibbons added: “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 everyone. 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 juncture.

Meanwhile, Sunday week, August 21, is the anniversary of the apparition, and will coincide with family day. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the beautiful grounds of the shrine, family day is an 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 Knock Shrine grounds, close to the award-winning Knock Museum and Café Le Chéile.

PROGRAMME

The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock programme is as follows:

· Sunday, August 14: 3 p.m. - Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, on What is Christian Hope?;

8 p.m. - Cormac Henry, former youth volunteer at Knock Shrine, on What Gives me Hope Today?

· Monday, August 15 (the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 3 and 8 p.m. - Roseanna Ruane, mother of Saoírse Ruane, on The Power of Prayer in Difficult Times

· Tuesday, August 16: 3 and 8 p.m. - A Day of Thanksgiving for the Irish Contribution to the Universal Synod, with Dr. Nicola Brady, chair of the Synodal Steering Group, on The Synodal Pathway: What Have we Learned and What Will we Do?

· Wednesday, August 17: 3 and 8 p.m. - Fr. Terence Harrington, OFM Cap, on How can I Have Hope in my Brokenness?

· Thursday, August 18: 3 and 8 p.m. - A Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine, with Halyna Teslyuk, Ukrainian Catholic University, Lviv, Ukraine, on A Hope That Inspires.

· Friday, August 19: 3 and 8 p.m. - Lauren Conroy, student, on My Faith Story.

· Saturday, August 20: 3 p.m. - Fr. Michael McKeever, Diocesan Secretary, Diocese of Raphoe, on Eucharist: A Sign of Hope; 8 p.m. - Professor John Feehan, geologist, botanist, author and broadcaster, on God in Everything that Lives: A Reflection on Laudato Si.

· Sunday, August 21 (the anniversary of the apparition): 3 p.m. - Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, on They Will Take their Place at the Feast; 8 p.m. - Fr. Richard Gibbons, P.P. and Rector, Knock Shrine, on Knock – The Vision of Hope.

· Monday, August 22: 3 and 8 p.m. - Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam, on The Call of the Lord.