Church Services

National Novena to Our Lady of Knock 2025

The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock offers nine days of prayer and reflection and the chance to reconnect with your faith in this sacred place.

 

 

The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock will take place from August 13th to 21st 2025

 

The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock offers nine days of reflection and prayer and a chance to reconnect with your faith in the unique and sacred space of Knock Shrine. The purpose of the Novena is to recognise the unique role that Knock, as an International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, has to play in the life of the Irish Church and to honour Our Lady, the Mother of God.

 

Please note that the Novena will now culminate on the 21st of August, the anniversary of the Apparition at Knock in 1879

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. Each evening, we will  hold a candlelight procession, a traditional feature of the Novena at Knock, which takes place following the 8pm ceremony (weather permitting).

 

Family Day takes place on Sunday, August 17th 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.

 

Thursday, August 21st is the anniversary of the Apparition. This is always a very special day here at Knock Shrine for our parishioners and pilgrims as we gather to celebrate the evening of Thursday, August 21st 1879, when Our Lady appeared at the gable wall of the Parish Church, accompanied by St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist. Central to the Apparition was the appearance of the Lamb on the altar, unique to the Knock Apparition. Highlights of the evening will include the Witness Walk, when we follow in the footsteps of the villagers , as they made their way from their homesteads to the Parish Church on that wet August evening in 1879.

 

Full programme of guest speakers and workshops for 2025 to follow

 

 

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.

Knock Calendar 2016

 

 

Novena Speakers 2025

 

 

 

 

August 13th:

• 3pm & 8pm: Fr. Kevin Kiernan

The current Capuchin Director of the Centre, Fr Kevin Kiernan OFM Cap, has a keen sense of the role of the Capuchin friars in Irish life and history: “Through persecution, famine, poverty, and pain the friars have always tried to be a comforting and healing presence. They have a long history of advocating for religious freedom and cultural expression and have been a consistent voice for the relief of the poor.”

August 14th

3pm & 8pm: Miriam Wiljens

Dutch theologian and professor of canon law at the University of Erfurt (Germany). Pope Francis appointed Myriam Wijlens as a “consultor” to the Vatican Synod of Bishops.

August 15th:

3pm & 8pm: Ita Lohan

Ita is prison chaplain at Loughan House

August 16th:

• 3pm: Raphoe Diocese
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• 8pm: Julian Drapiewski – An Immigrants story
August 17th
• 3pm: Elphin Diocese
• 8pm: John Farrelly – Knock Prayer Guide
August 18th
• 3pm & 8pm: Eileen Dunne
Eileen Dunne is a veteran Irish newscaster who retired after over 40 years with RTÉ. She has anchored major news programs and presented coverage of significant global events. Eileen is also the daughter of RTÉ’s first Gaelic Games Correspondent, Mick Dunne, and has a keen interest in sport.

August 19th
• 3pm & 8pm: Kevin Hargaden
Kevin Hargaden is a social theologian at the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in Dublin.
August 20th
• 3pm & 8pm: Breda Casserly
Breda Casserly is a former hospice chaplain known for her compassionate care and support to individuals and families facing end-of-life issues.
August 21st
• 3pm: Claire Kilroy
Claire Kilroy – Head of School Services for Catholic Schools Trust Le Chéile.
• 8pm: Fr. Richard Gibbons

Knock Shrine

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

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