Mags GarganOn July 6 a descendant of one of the witnesses of the Knock apparition paid a visit to Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo.
Joe Loftus from NJ, USA is the grandnephew of Catherine Murray, who witnessed the apparition when she was nine-years-old.
Joe made a recording for the Knock Museum collection and met his fourth cousin, Luke Murray from Lissaniska, Bekan.
The Loftus family took part in the 12noon Basilica Mass, one of the 100 Masses that Fr Richard Gibbons is offering for the Holy Souls. Joe carried a candle in memory of Catherine Murray, who was especially remembered at the Mass, and his children carried the offertory gifts.
Members of the Reserve Defence Force also took part in the Mass, carrying a photograph showing the Local Defence Force bearing a statue of Our Lady at Knock Shrine during the opening pilgrimage in 1941.