Knock Shrine – Ireland’s Marian Apparition site

Knock Shrine, located in co. Mayo is Ireland;s National Marian Shrine where over 1.5 million pilgrims visit each year.

The Pilgrimage Season at Knock runs from April -October each year with daily Masses and Confessions, Anointing of the Sick and Stations of the Cross. Groups are always welcome and can avail of guided tours, private Mass and a visit to the award-winning Knock Museum.

History of Apparitions in Knock Shrine

The Story of Knock began on the 21st August, 1879 when, at approximately 8 O’ clock in the evening, fifteen people from the village of Knock in Co. Mayo, 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 watched the Apparition in the pouring rain for two hours, reciting the Rosary. Although they themselves were saturated not a single drop of rain fell on the gable or vision.

There were fifteen official witnesses to the Apparition, most of whom were from the village of Knock and surrounding areas and ranged in age from just 5 years old to 74 years old. Each of the witnesses gave testimonies to a Commission of Enquiry in October 1879. The findings of the Commission were that the testimonies were both trustworthy and satisfactory.

1880 – Knock Church is extended by the addition of two aisles
1920 – Knock Church is further extended with the addition of the sacristy
1938 – Outdoor Stations of the Cross are erected
1940 – First oratory is built onto gable wall of parish Church
1968 – Processional Square is developed in front of Apparition Gable
1971 – St. Joseph’s Rest Home opens as a residential hostel for the sick
1973 – Knock Museum opens to the public
1974 – The Way of the Cross is constructed on a hill, now called Calvary Hill
1976 – The Church Our Lady Queen of Ireland (Basilica) is completed and opens for public
1978 – St. John’s Rest and Care Centre opens to provide welcome and hospitality to visiting pilgrims
1979 – Knock village and Knock Shrine is improved and upgraded for Papal Visit

Knock Shrine, Ireland
1983 – Blessed Sacrament Chapel is built specially for exposition
1984 – St. Brigid’s opens as a rest home for handmaids of the Knock Shrine Society
1986 – Knock Airport is officially opened
1988 – Knock Shrine Religious Books’ Centre opens
1981 – Enclosed order of Carmelite Sisters come to live in Knock Shrine grounds
1990 – Chapel of Reconciliation opens as a centre for reconciliation and counselling
1992 – New Apparition Chapel is completed and re-opens
1999 – Knock House Hotel opens to the public
2006 – New exhibition opens at Knock Museum

The 15 Official Witnesses

1. Dominick Byrne (senior)
Drum, Knock, aged thirty-six years

2. Dominick Byrne (junior)
Drum, Knock, aged twenty years approximately

3. Margaret Byrne,
Drum, Knock, aged twenty-one years

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4. Mary Byrne,
Drum, Knock, aged twenty-nine years approximately

5. Mrs. Margaret Byrne (widow),
Drum, Knock, aged sixty-eight years

6. Patrick Byrne,
Carrowmore, Knock, aged sixteen years

7. Judith Campbell,
Carrowmore, Knock, aged twenty-two years

8. John Curry,
Lecarrow, Knock, aged five years

9. John Durkan,
Casual Labourer, aged twenty-four years approximately

10.Mrs. Hugh Flatley,
Cloonlee, Knock, aged forty-four years

11. Patrick Hill,
Claremorris, aged eleven years

12. Mary McLoughlin,
Archdeacon Cavanagh’s housekeeper,Knock, aged forty-five years

13. Catherine Murray,
Lisaniskea, Bekan, aged eight years

14. Bridget Trench,
Carrowmore, Knock, aged seventy-four years approximately

15. Patrick Walsh,
Ballindorris, Knock, aged sixty-five years approximately

Mary Byrne Testimony of Apparition – 1st Commission of Enquiry, 1879

‘I beheld, all at once, standing out from the gable, and rather to the west of it, three figures which, on more attentive inspection, appeared to be that of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and St. John. That of the Blessed Virgin was life-size, the others apparently either not so big or not so high as her figure. They stood a little distance out from the gable wall and, as well as I could judge, a foot and a half or two feet from the ground. The Virgin stood erect, with eyes raised to heaven, her hands elevated to the shoulders or a little higher, the palms inclined slightly towards the shoulders or bosom. She wore a large cloak of a white colour, hanging in full folds and somewhat loosely around her shoulders, and fastened to the neck. She wore a crown on the head, rather a large crown, and it appeared to me somewhat yellower than the dress or robes worn by Our Blessed Lady.

In the figure of St. Joseph the head was slightly bent, and inclined towards the Blessed Virgin, as if paying her respect. It represented the saint as somewhat aged, with grey whiskers and greyish hair. The third figure appeared to be that of St. John the Evangelist…..Above the altar and resting on it was a lamb and around it I saw golden stars, or small brilliant lights, glittering like jets or glass balls, reflecting the light of some luminous body. I remained from a quarter past eight to half past nine o’clock. At the time it was raining.’

Our Lady of Knock Prayer

Our Lady of Knock , Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find”.

Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to Heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Pray for me now and at the end of my death. Amen.

Novena to Our Lady of Knock

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Give praise to the Father Almighty, To His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, To the Spirit who lives in our hearts, both now and forever. Amen.

Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress, and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.” Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Grant us peace.

ST. JOSEPH, Chosen by God to be The Husband of Mary, The Protector of the Holy Family, The Guardian of the Church. Protect all families In their work and recreation And Guard us on our journey through life. (Repeat – Lamb of God, etc.)

ST. JOHN, Beloved Disciple of the Lord, Faithful priest. Teacher of the Word of God. Help us to hunger for the Word. To be loyal to the Mass And to love one another. (Repeat – Lamb of God, etc.) Our Lady of Knock Pray for Us Refuge of Sinners Pray for Us Queen Assumed into Heaven Pray for Us Queen of the Rosary Pray for Us Mother of Nazareth Pray for Us Queen of Virgins Pray for Us Help of Christians Pray for Us Health of the Sick Pray for Us Queen of Peace Pray for Us Our Lady, Queen and Mother Pray for Us Our Lady, Mother of the Church Pray for Us (Here mention your own special intentions)

With the Angels and Saints let us pray: Give praise to the Father Almighty, To His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, To the Spirit who lives in our hearts, Both now and forever. Amen.

Instruction: The Rosary or Mass and Holy Communion is recommended each day.

Coming to Knock and having the best stay:

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Today, there are many customs and traditions observed in Knock. Many pilgrims like to get Holy Water from Knock, this tradition is still strongly practiced as many pilgrims like to bring the Holy Water home with them or pass it on to a loved-one.

Pilgrims also like to circle the Parish Church while praying the Rosary, Pray the Stations of the Cross, enroll themselves or a loved one in the Knock Shrine Friends Association, attend Confessions or simply taking a few moments for contemplative prayer in Knock Shrine.

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Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Today, there are many customs and traditions observed in Knock. Many pilgrims like to get Holy Water from Knock, this tradition is still strongly practiced as many pilgrims like to bring the Holy Water home with them or pass it on to a loved-one.

Pilgrims also like to circle the Parish Church while praying the Rosary, Pray the Stations of the Cross, enroll themselves or a loved one in the Knock Shrine Friends Association, attend Confessions or simply taking a few moments for contemplative prayer in Knock Shrine.

 

Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

By Air
Ireland West Airport Knock 12 miles/20 Km from Knock) with scheduled services from Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, East Midlands, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester.

By Car
Knock is 140 miles/220 Km from Dublin and 45 miles/70 Km from Galway. It is located on the N17 road, midway between Galway and Sligo. Main Car Park GPS Co-Ordinates: N: 53.79391 W: 008.91387 For Car Hire Visit Auto Reservation Plus

By Bus
Bus services are available from all major towns and cities. All bus stops in Knock are within a short walking distance of the Shrine Grounds. For full information including timetables visit Bus Eireann. The Services which travel through Knock are:

No. 21 Dublin – Athlone Westport
No. 52 Galway – Castlebar – Westport – Ballina
No. 64 Galway – Ireland West Airport Knock – Sligo – Derry
These service stop at either Main Street or Ballyhaunis Road. Download Map of Knock. Special discount fares are available if tickets are booked online, visitwww.buseireann.ie.

By Train
The nearest railway station is Claremorris (7miles/11 km), which is on the Dublin Heuston – Westport Line. For full information including timetables visit Irish Rail. Special discount fares are available if tickets are booked online, visitwww.irishrail.ie. A return Shuttle Service runs from Claremorris Train Station to Knock during the pilgrimage season, please contact Knock Shrine Office for details (094) 9388100.

Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Sunday:

  • Mass in the Parish Church at 8am, 9am & 7.30pm
  • Mass in the Basilica at 10.30am, 12 noon & 3pm
  • Mass on Eve of Sundays and Holydays at 7.30pm in the Parish Church
  • The 3pm Concelebrated Mass is followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary Procession to the Shrine and Blessing of Religious Objects

Weekdays:

  • Mass in the Parish Church at 9am, 12 noon & 7.30pm
  • Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 11am
  • Mass in the Basilica at 12 noon & 3pm

Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

  • Sunday: 11am to 5pm in the Chapel of Reconciliation
  • Weekdays: Confessions 11am to 5pm in the Chapel of Reconciliation
  • Sunday: Anointing of the Sick 2.30pm

Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Weekdays: 

  • Stations of the Cross & Rosary Procession 2pm
  • Candlelight Rosary Procession each Thursday evening at 9pm for June, July and August

Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Weekdays:

  • 11.30 am to 6.30 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
  • 7 to 9.00 pm in the Apparition Chapel

Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

1880 – Knock Church is extended by the addition of two aisles
1920 – Knock Church is further extended with the addition of the sacristy
1938 – Outdoor Stations of the Cross are erected
1940 – First oratory is built onto gable wall of parish Church
1968 – Processional Square is developed in front of Apparition Gable
1971 – St. Joseph’s Rest Home opens as a residential hostel for the sick
1973 – Knock Museum opens to the public
1974 – The Way of the Cross is constructed on a hill, now called Calvary Hill
1976 – The Church Our Lady Queen of Ireland (Basilica) is completed and opens for public
1978 – St. John’s Rest and Care Centre opens to provide welcome and hospitality to visiting pilgrims
1979 – Knock village and Knock Shrine is improved and upgraded for Papal Visit

Knock Shrine, Ireland
1983 – Blessed Sacrament Chapel is built specially for exposition
1984 – St. Brigid’s opens as a rest home for handmaids of the Knock Shrine Society
1986 – Knock Airport is officially opened
1988 – Knock Shrine Religious Books’ Centre opens
1981 – Enclosed order of Carmelite Sisters come to live in Knock Shrine grounds
1990 – Chapel of Reconciliation opens as a centre for reconciliation and counselling
1992 – New Apparition Chapel is completed and re-opens
1999 – Knock House Hotel opens to the public
2006 – New exhibition opens at Knock Museum

The 15 Official Witnesses

1. Dominick Byrne (senior)
Drum, Knock, aged thirty-six years

2. Dominick Byrne (junior)
Drum, Knock, aged twenty years approximately

3. Margaret Byrne,
Drum, Knock, aged twenty-one years

4. Mary Byrne,
Drum, Knock, aged twenty-nine years approximately

5. Mrs. Margaret Byrne (widow),
Drum, Knock, aged sixty-eight years

6. Patrick Byrne,
Carrowmore, Knock, aged sixteen years

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7. Judith Campbell,
Carrowmore, Knock, aged twenty-two years

8. John Curry,
Lecarrow, Knock, aged five years

9. John Durkan,
Casual Labourer, aged twenty-four years approximately

10.Mrs. Hugh Flatley,
Cloonlee, Knock, aged forty-four years

11. Patrick Hill,
Claremorris, aged eleven years

12. Mary McLoughlin,
Archdeacon Cavanagh’s housekeeper,Knock, aged forty-five years

13. Catherine Murray,
Lisaniskea, Bekan, aged eight years

14. Bridget Trench,
Carrowmore, Knock, aged seventy-four years approximately

15. Patrick Walsh,
Ballindorris, Knock, aged sixty-five years approximately

Mary Byrne Testimony of Apparition – 1st Commission of Enquiry, 1879

‘I beheld, all at once, standing out from the gable, and rather to the west of it, three figures which, on more attentive inspection, appeared to be that of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and St. John. That of the Blessed Virgin was life-size, the others apparently either not so big or not so high as her figure. They stood a little distance out from the gable wall and, as well as I could judge, a foot and a half or two feet from the ground. The Virgin stood erect, with eyes raised to heaven, her hands elevated to the shoulders or a little higher, the palms inclined slightly towards the shoulders or bosom. She wore a large cloak of a white colour, hanging in full folds and somewhat loosely around her shoulders, and fastened to the neck. She wore a crown on the head, rather a large crown, and it appeared to me somewhat yellower than the dress or robes worn by Our Blessed Lady.

In the figure of St. Joseph the head was slightly bent, and inclined towards the Blessed Virgin, as if paying her respect. It represented the saint as somewhat aged, with grey whiskers and greyish hair. The third figure appeared to be that of St. John the Evangelist…..Above the altar and resting on it was a lamb and around it I saw golden stars, or small brilliant lights, glittering like jets or glass balls, reflecting the light of some luminous body. I remained from a quarter past eight to half past nine o’clock. At the time it was raining.’

Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

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