Knock hosts ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ National Novena
Knock Basilica will host the annual Novena from August 13th to 21st next. Picture: Sinead Mallee
The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock begins today. It will take place from August 13th to 21st at Knock Shrine, and approximately 150,000 people are expected to attend.
This year’s theme, "Pilgrims of Hope", invites all to embark on a journey of faith and reflection, rooted in the enduring message of hope.
Each day is designed to foster a sense of hope and unity, encouraging pilgrims to strengthen their spiritual journeys, while connecting with others in a supportive environment.
The Novena will feature daily ceremonies, with guest speakers, at 3 p.m.and 8 p.m. offering opportunities for spiritual nourishment and reflection.
Throughout the Novena, a series of insightful and thought-provoking workshops will be held daily at 12:45 p.m.. Novena workshops provide a unique and enriching experience for participants eager to explore the theme of the day more profoundly.
Ahead of this year’s National Novena, Fr. Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of Knock Shrine said: “We are pleased to welcome inspiring guest speakers each day, who will offer reflections and insights on the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Hope is at the heart of the Knock Apparition and throughout this year’s National Novena, we will explore how hope can shine through in the most unexpected places.”
This year’s guest speakers include Fr. Kevin Kiernan, OFM Cap – Capuchin Director of the Capuchin Day Centre and guardian of the Capuchin Friary of St. Mary of the Angels, Church St. Dublin.
Miriam Wijlens is a Dutch theologian and professor of Canon Law at University of Erfurt, Germany, who served on the Coordinating Committee of the Synod on Synodality in Rome.
Bishop Kevin Doran is the Bishop of Elphin and Achonry, chairperson of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference.
Msgr Kevin Gillespie is diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Raphoe and Administrator of St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny. He will be joined by Elaine Patton, who is actively involved in youth ministry in Raphoe Diocese.
Eileen Dunne is a former news anchor at RTÉ, who has served as international president of the Association of European Journalists.
Fr. Niall Leahy SJ is an advocate for localism at the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. He is based in Gardiner Street Parish in Dublin.
Ita Lohan is Chaplain at Loughan House open centre and former Chaplain at Castlerea Prison.
Breda Casserly is a former healthcare chaplain at the Galway Hospice and author of ‘Lessons from a bedside’.
Julian Drapiewski is a chartered engineer and permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Tuam.
Claire Kilroy is the seconded deputy principal working in Le Cheile Schools trust, who has recently been appointed CEO of the Association of Patrons and Trustees of Catholic Schools.
John Farrelly is the prayer guidance co-ordinator at Knock Shrine, where he leads Spiritual Direction Ministry.
Fr. Richard Gibbons is Parish Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine.
A family day will be held on Sunday, August 17th Family day features a variety of free activities that cater to all ages, beginning with a special blessing of families in the Apparition Chapel at 11 a.m. Children of all ages can participate in fun activities, games and workshops on the Basilica green.
The final evening of the Novena, August 21st marks the anniversary of the Knock Apparition. The evening’s celebration will commence with the ‘Witness Walk’ at 6.45 p.m.. This prayerful walk through the village of Knock will commemorate each of the apparition witnesses, who made their way from their homesteads to witness the extraordinary vision at the gable wall of the parish church in 1879.
This year's National Novena to Our Lady of Knock promises to be a spiritually enriching experience. For more information, including details on the daily schedule, guest speakers, guided prayer sessions and workshops, please visit the Knock Shrine website www.knockshrine.ie or follow Knock Shrine on social media.
