50th Anniversary of Knock Basilica: Saturday, July 18th 2026

For fifty years, Knock Basilica has stood as a beacon of prayer, pilgrimage and hope, rising above the quiet Mayo landscape as generations of faithful have journeyed to this sacred place in search of peace, healing and consolation.

Since its opening in 1976, Knock Basilica has welcomed millions of pilgrims from Ireland and across the world, each carrying their own stories, sorrows, gratitude and faith within its sheltering walls.

 

On Saturday, July 18th , as we gather to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of this remarkable sanctuary, we honour not only a building of striking beauty, but a living spiritual home shaped by devotion, community and the enduring message of Knock itself.

 

This golden jubilee invites us to look back with thanksgiving on five decades of prayer and pilgrimage, while also looking forward with renewed hope to the generations who will continue to find comfort and inspiration here. In this special celebration, we give thanks for all who envisioned, built, sustained and cherished the Basilica over the past 50 years.

This golden jubilee invites us to look back with thanksgiving on five decades of prayer and pilgrimage, while also looking forward with renewed hope to the generations who will continue to find comfort and inspiration here.

 

In this sacred celebration, we give thanks for all who envisioned, built, sustained and cherished the Basilica over the past half-century. Above all, we rejoice in the quiet but powerful presence of faith that has made Knock a place where heaven seems to touch the earth, and where countless hearts have discovered light in moments of darkness.

 

We welcome you to join us as we celebrate this historic milestone on  Saturday, July 18th.

May this celebration renew the spirit of pilgrimage and  remind us that the story of Knock Basilica is still being written in every candle lit, every prayer whispered and every pilgrim who continues to arrive in hope.

Programme for the Day

 

‘A Beacon of Hope’  – An Exclusive Guided Tour of Knock Basilica

10am, 10.30am and 1pm

 

Our experienced guides will lead you on an exclusive tour of the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland. Discover the story of Knock Basilica, its innovative design and iconic artworks. This tour offers exclusive access to areas of the Basilica rarely by pilgrims and visitors.

 

 

Celebrating 50 years of Knock Basilica

 

Location: St. John’s Centre

11am: Welcome and Opening Prayer

 

11.15am: ‘An Acre of Shelter’

A short film about the unique story of Knock Basilica, a landmark built on faith and defined by the people who pass through its doors.

11.30am: ‘Faith and Foundations’

Fr. Richard Gibbons P.P. and Rector of Knock Shrine in conversation with Tommy Marren, Midwest Radio

11.45am: Sharing memories of Knock Basilica

Open forum and Q&A

12 noon: Winners of ‘Basilica 50 Creative Competition’ announced in St. John’s Centre

1pm: Free Time For Lunch

 Free time to explore the Basilica exhibition at Knock Museum, have lunch and explore Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine

2.30pm: Anointing of the Sick at Knock Basilica

3pm: Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving

to mark  the 50th anniversary of the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland

at Knock Basilica

Knock Shrine

Knock Shrine
Ireland's International
Eucharistic and Marian Shrine,
Knock, Claremorris, Co. Mayo,
F12 Y226, Ireland

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