Shrine of Our Lady of Knock

On Thursday I was fortunate enough to be able to visit and celebrate Mass at Ireland's National Marian Shrine, which is in County Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland.

"The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous occurrence Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine." You can find more information on the Shrine's website.

Pope John Paul II made a personal pilgrimage to the shrine in 1979, commemorating the centenary of the apparition. Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited the Shrine in June 1993.

One and a half million pilgrims visit the Shrine annually - make that one and a half million plus one this year!