Renata SteffensHundreds of young people gathered in Knock on the weekend for the Jubilee Year’s event ‘Dare to Hope’ and official launch of the new €1.5 million retreat village. The event, which took place on June 14, aimed to inspire young adults (aged 18-30) to deepen their faith and renew their commitment to Christ.
Knock Youth Village Retreat accommodation, the new retreat facility in Knock Shrine, will now be available for schools and young adult retreats. Speaking ahead of the official launch, Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of Knock Shrine, said, “Knock Youth Village will serve as a wonderful resource for the Church in Ireland, providing groups of all ages with a place to come together and grow in faith.”
The day started with a keynote address by Fr Conor McDonagh, a Dominican priest and theology lecturer. The present also took part in a ‘panel discussion’ with Fr McDonough, Bishop William Crean, Hannah Keogh and Austin Bourke to discuss ‘Living Hope’, and a number of workshops, such as ‘how to speak about your faith’ and ‘discerning God’s voice in your daily journey’. The event finished with a procession to Knock Basilica followed by Mass with Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin.
