Special Mass of Remembrance at Knock Shrine
by Most Rev Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam and Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of Knock Shrine.
Photo: Conor McKeown 
Knock Shrine’s Mass of Remembrance “went down extremely well”, according to Fr Richard Gibbons, Rector of Knock Shrine, citing a “fantastic response” to the event.
“We’d a fantastic response to it, actually, because it just struck a chord with people in terms of even the visual effect of seeing all those candles for each one of the 2,945 people to date. It resonated with an awful lot of people.”
As part of the ceremony, a candle was lit for each of the people who have died of Covid-19 on the island of Ireland. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, and streamed via the Knock Shrine website, Facebook, and RTÉ later in the afternoon of Sunday, November 22.
Archbishop Neary said: “Despite the sadness, fear and uncertainty that we have experienced this year, God as Shepherd will gather his people, feed the hungry, bandage the wounded, heal the injured, and make the weak strong. During November, as we remember all who have died across the island of Ireland from Covid-19, we experience the Shepherd’s care for them, and for those who mourn them. This Mass is offered for the repose of their souls. May the merciful Lord bless and comfort all who are in mourning at this time.”
Ahead of the Mass Fr Gibbons encouraged people to place petitions online, which were placed at the sanctuary, and prayers were offered for them.
A Paschal candle together with 2,945 candles were laid out on purple cloth around the sanctuary of the Basilica.
“The response just struck us – how important it is to remember loved ones and how important it is for people to know that we are praying with them and we’re praying for them. That’s our job, we’re there for them. To help them to get through the pandemic and to make sense of what’s going on.”
115,000 people in total tuned in for the online event, with 33,000 viewing through the Knock Shrine website, over 70,000 joining on Facebook, and 17,000 viewing the Mass on RTÉ.
