An enthusiastic group of parishioners from St. John’s Parish, Kilkenny, travelled to the Marian Shrine in Knock, Co. Mayo on Friday, 21st August for the annual parish pilgrimage. The pilgrimage, led by Monsignor Dan Carroll, left St. John’s Church at 7.00am with 120 parishioners travelling. Despite the early start, there was a great sense of anticipation and quiet prayer as the coaches made their way west. On arrival, many parishioners took time for private prayer at the Apparition Chapel, where Our Lady appeared to fifteen people on that wet August evening in 1879. Concelebrated Mass was held at 3.00pm in the Basilica, where chief celebrant, Army Chaplain Fr. Paul Murphy, spoke about love and forgiveness and the enduring relevance of Knock in these uncertain times.
Concluding his personal testimony with an appeal for hope and trust in the Lord, he said: “I won’t let hate have the final word and define my life.” After Mass, pilgrims had time for light refreshments and a visit to the excellent Knock Museum, which tells the story of the Apparition and of life in the west of Ireland at that time. Others used the time for Confession, to light candles for loved ones, or simply to walk the peaceful grounds.
Highlight
A special highlight was the ‘Anointing of the Sick’ at 2.30pm, which brought great comfort to many of the older members of the group. The day concluded with the Rosary procession and Benediction before the journey home, with a stop in the Grand Hotel, Moate for an evening meal. The group arrived back in Kilkenny at 10pm, tired but uplifted. Speaking to the Observer, Fr. Dan Carroll said the day had been a great success: “There is something special about Knock. You go with your own worries and intentions and you come back lighter. Knock reminds us that Our Lady comes quietly. She does not come with fanfare, but with reassurance. In times of hardship then, as now, she offers us hope and the reminder that we are not alone.” St. John’s Parish offers sincere thanks to Fr. Carroll and to Áine Butler, who organised the pilgrimage, and to Eamon Maher Coaches for a safe and memorable journey.
