Representatives from Knock Shrine have been invited to a celebration in the Vatican at the end of this month which will feature the Our Lady of Knock processional statue.
The Mass, which will take place on January 26, will include the statue and the Knock Schola Choir. The representatives from the Shrine have been invited to take part in readings and gifts.
It is the first time since 1954 that the shrine will be officially involved in a ceremony at the Vatican. A spokesperson said: “It is a momentous occasion for Fr Richard Gibbons and for all involved, many people plan to travel over from the shrine, parish and surrounding area.”
It is believed that Cardinal Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation, who attended and spoke at the 140th anniversary of the shrine last year, was instrumental in bringing it about, specifically with regard to requesting the statue of Our Lady for the ceremony.
