150,000 pilgrims to attend annual Knock Novena

THE annual national public novena will begin today at the Basilica of Our Lady of Knock and continues until August 22. The theme for the novena is  ‘Witness to Hope’ and this focuses on honouring the 15 people who were witnesses to the Marian apparition 135 years ago in 1879. The theme also highlights the hope and prayers of the faithful for the renewal of the Church in Ireland at this time.

 

Some 150,000 pilgrims, young and old, are expected to come from all over Ireland to attend this year’s nine-day novena. Daily Mass and prayer sessions will be complemented by seminars and workshops to assist the faith development, and faith renewal, of the pilgrims in attendance.

 

According to Father Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest of Knock: “There is a new departure this year with the national novena and as part of the 135th anniversary celebration of the apparition we have developed a faith renewal programme incorporating seminars and workshops designed to give people a practical as well as an intellectual approach to the lives of pilgrims. 

 

“There is something in Knock for everyone in 2014. As usual, our novena sessions will give everyone a great sense of encountering The Lord, together through the Eucharist, and also other sacraments such as reconciliation/confession. All are welcome.”