National Novena to Our Lady of Knock

Ceremonies will take place in the Basilica at 3pm and 8pm over the course of the nine days with guest speakers present during each ceremony. We also look forward to the return of the special candlelight procession, a traditional feature of the Novena at Knock, which takes place following the 8pm ceremony (weather permitting).

A unique feature of this year’s Novena is the ‘Novena Village’, a special space on the grounds where you are invited to attend workshops each day at 12 noon. The Novena Village will be located on the grounds adjacent to the Basilica. Daily from 12 noon to  1pm.

Family Day takes place on Sunday, August 20th from 11am to 3pm in the Shrine gardens. There will be a range of outdoor activities taking place on the green (weather permitting) and marquees with indoor workshops, games and more. Family Day is a lovely opportunity for families to get together and enjoy a fun day out at Knock Shrine. All events and activities are free of charge.

An excerpt from the Knock Shrine Annual of 1978, penned by Father Joseph Quinn, late Monsignor and Rector of Knock Shrine, describes the first Novena in great detail, from the themed days with titles honouring Our Lady to the candlelight procession:

‘In the quiet darkness of those August evenings, thousands of people,  lighted candles in their hands, followed the processional statue of Our Lady of Knock, in homage and with great dignity and order…the Rosary was recited, hymns were sung and there was time for quiet contemplation.’

Taken from ‘The Public Novena Devotions’ by Father Joseph Quinn, Knock Shrine Annual, 1978.