Latest Church Notes
The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock 14-22 August
Ceremonies: 3pm & 8.30pm Daily
Workshops: 12 noon & 6pm Daily
This year will be the 41st celebration of the Novena, and such an important year as we prepare the way for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Shrine as part of the World Meeting of Families in Dublin. The theme for this year’s Novena is ‘Faith & Family ’See the full programme of Novena speakers at www.knockshrine.ie/events
Masses for weekend of Papal Visit
As many people who wished to visit Knock or Dublin for the visit of Pope Francis have not been able to get tickets, the next best is to be able to watch events on TV. The main events are on Saturday evening in Croke Park, Sunday morning in Knock and the Mass in the Phoenix park on Sunday afternoon. These times clash with the regular Mass times in the Neale and Cross. There will be two Masses on Weekend of 24th/25th August.
Mass in the Neale will be moved to Sunday 25th at 8pm. Mass in Cong will be on Sunday at 11.30am and there will be no Mass in Cross as there are two Masses on Sunday. Fr. Gilligan will attend the three days of the World meeting of families 22/23/24 August and attend Croke Park on Saturday evening and come down early on Sunday for the two Masses.
Schedule of Events at Knock for Visit of Pope Francis
From 8.30am on the morning of Sunday August 26th 2018, there will be a ‘Gathering Event’ until the arrival of the Holy Father. Music will be provided by Knock Parish Choir with guest musicians and soloists. Upon arrival, the Holy Father will move through the assembly in the Pope Mobile arriving at the Apparition Chapel at 10am for private prayer. Afterwards His Holiness will deliver a short address and lead pilgrims in the Angelus Prayer. After the departure of the Holy Father, there will be a concelebrated open-air Mass with Fr Richard Gibbons as the main celebrant and homilist. Please note that this will be a part of the official ticketed event.