Grandparents get behind Mayo at national pilgrimage in Knock
IRELAND witnessed two great teams on Sunday. One was in Croke Park playing for victory while the other was in Knock praying for victory. Together, they brought Sam Maguire home.
As Mayo ended a 75-year wait to lift the Sam Maguire Cup, thousands of grandparents had gathered in prayer at Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock for the National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage on the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
“They were playing to win. We were praying to win,” said Catherine Wiley, founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association. “They played with all their hearts. We prayed with all our hearts. What a wonderful result. It was truly a win-win for everyone.”
The pilgrimage was led by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, together with Archbishop Francis Duffy, Bishop Denis Nulty, Fr. Richard Gibbons, and priests from across Ireland. Grandparents from every county came together to pray for their families, for Ireland and especially for the Mayo team.
Adding to the joy of the occasion, beloved singer Dana led the congregation in song, lifting hearts and voices in praise and thanksgiving throughout the Basilica.
“The spirit in the Basilica was simply electrifying,” Catherine said. “It was filled with faith, hope, joy and gratitude.
“Grandparents are the prayer warriors of our nation. Yesterday they carried Mayo, their families and Ireland in prayer. It was a day overflowing with grace and blessings.”
When the final whistle sounded and news reached Knock that Mayo had won, an enormous wave of thanksgiving and celebration swept through the pilgrims. The joy continued as people left the Basilica, united in faith, gratitude and pride at witnessing such a historic day for Mayo and for Ireland.
The National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage also marked the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, now celebrated throughout the Catholic Church across the world after years of prayer and advocacy by the Catholic Grandparents Association.
Yesterday was a day that reminded us of the extraordinary power of prayer, community and never giving up hope.