Recognition from Pope Francis for service to Knock Shrine

A SPECIAL Papal honour has been bestowed on two people who have given sterling service as volunteers at Knock Shrine.

Tom Neary and Mary Neary have been invested as a Knight and Dame of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, awarded by His Holiness, Pope Francis, for their many years of service to the Marian shrine.

The ceremony took place at last Sunday afternoon's Mass in the basilica.

Tom, who is originally from Lakehill, Knock, and now living in Claremorris, has given over 55 years of voluntary service to the shrine.