Thousands expected for annual pilgrimage to holy site
Not every pilgrim who comes to Knock seeking healing will find it — but that does not mean they leave empty-handed, according to the shrine’s rector.
Fr Richard Gibbons PP said that even when the miracle sought is not granted, Knock offers pilgrims something else: the certainty that “here heaven met earth”.
“There’s something here now,” he said. “There’s something more to life than what we’re being told. It’s a welcoming apparition. It just welcomes you into the life of God.”
His comments come as the programme for this year’s National Novena, running from August 13-21 under the theme ‘Sheltered in God’s Love’, was announced.
Fr Gibbons described the nine-day gathering as the spiritual high point of Knock’s year.
“The Novena is a huge, very, very important aspect of this,” he told The Irish Catholic. “It’s the pinnacle of the season because that’s where we can focus on what matters to people in terms of the talks that are given and how people have input in the Novena.”
This year’s programme will explore artificial intelligence, addiction, bereavement, family life, healing and the creation of a more welcoming Church.
Speakers will include broadcaster Mary Kennedy, Bishop Niall Coll of Raphoe, Bishop Kevin Doran of Achonry and Elphin, and DCU academic Sandra Cullen. Fr Gibbons will close the Novena on August 21, the anniversary of the Apparition.
He said accompanying workshops would allow pilgrims to explore the subjects raised during the ceremonies in greater depth.
“There are a whole host of different themes that are relevant to people’s lives,” he said. “The topic can be only covered for about ten minutes in the course of the liturgy, but then there’s a workshop that takes it for about half an hour or 40 minutes.”
Fr Gibbons said the theological richness of the Knock Apparition allows it to speak to people in different ways. “It means it’s Eucharistic, it’s Marian, it promotes the Word of God, it promotes St Joseph as protector of the Church,” he said. “It’s kind of the whole Paschal mystery there in front of you.”
Encouraging pilgrims to attend, he said: “Take a step out of your busy lives and come to the Novena as your own personal retreat.”
“The surroundings will be conducive to prayer and to connecting with God — and let God do the rest.”