Staff reporter
Large crowds are expected at Knock later this month for a special ceremony to re-dedicate the iconic basilica at the Marian shrine.
The ceremony – on Saturday, July 16 – will mark 40 years since the original dedication of the basilica on July 18, 1976.
In the past few years, the basilica has been completely modernised and transformed into a warm and welcoming sacred space with top of the range technology incorporated to facilitate pilgrims with live-streamed Masses and ceremonies as well a broader mix of concerts and events, such as the hugely successful ‘Concert for Peace’ which took place in May.
The ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston. Cardinal O’Malley, along with Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh, are leading a group of pilgrims to Knock who are due to arrive at Knock Airport on July 14.
The renovation marks a new era in the history of the basilica which started out as the great wish of Msgr James Horan to give shelter to the thousands of pilgrims visiting Knock Shrine.
All are welcome to attend the Mass of Rededication at 3pm.