National Pilgrimage to Knock

On Sunday the 9th of October the National Dominican Pilgrimage to Knock took place.

Knock is the National Marian Shrine of Ireland. On the 21st August, 1879, fifteen people from the village of Knock witnessed an Apparition of Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, a Lamb and cross on an altar at the gable wall of the Parish Church. The witnesses while reciting the Rosary, watched the Apparition in the pouring rain for two hours. Although they themselves were saturated not a single drop of rain fell on the gable or the apparition.

Each year on the second Sunday of October all branches of the Dominican Family travel to the Shrine and lead the liturgical celebrations. This year was the 62^nd National Dominican Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine. As always pilgrims travelled from all the various Dominicans foundations throughout the island of Ireland. This is always a great occasion to meet Dominican friends from all over the country. The official program began at 14:30 with the Anointing of the Sick, followed by Mass at 15:00. After the Mass there was Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and the blessing of the sick followed by the Rosary procession around the grounds of the Shrine.

It was a tremendous day and it was great to see so many people gather together celebrating this special year of jubilee, the 800th anniversary of the Dominican Order.

Please find below a few pictures.