Synodality Conference
With Notre Dame University, Australia

19/20 April 2024
Keynote Speaker: Cardinal Mario Grech
Facilitated by: Prof Eamonn Conway

Find Out More Here

Support Programmes

Uplift Your Spirit. Nourish Your Soul.

The Faith Renewal Programme at Knock Shrine offers a variety of day retreats, seminars and music events throughout the year.

Spring/Summer 2024 Programme

This two day conference on Synodality will take place on Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th in St. John’s Welcome Centre, Knock Shrine.

 

Synodality Explored: Facing the Future Together

 

Facilitated by Prof Eamonn Conway, Notre Dame University, Perth

Friday         April 19th 2024

10.00              Opening Prayer

10.15              The Synodal:  a Global View

Cardinal Mario Grech

11.15              Coffee

11.45              Being Synodal in Dioceses and Parishes

                        Rev Declan Hurley

1.00                Lunch

2.15                Our Church on a Missionary Footing

Professor René Kohler-Ryan

3.30                Break

3.40                Open Forum

4.15                Closing Prayer

 

Saturday

10.00              Opening Prayer

10.15              The Synod: Ireland and the World

Cardinal Mario Grech and Julieann Moran

11.15              Coffee

11.45              Parish Pastoral Councils as Instruments of Synodality

Dr Dermot Ryan

1.00                Lunch

2.15                Becoming a More Inclusive Church

Austin Burke, Sr Josephine Enenmo, Julian Drapiewski

 

3.30                Break

3.40                Open Forum

4.15                Closing Prayer

‘Art as a doorway to mystery’ is the theme for a very special art appreciation day, focusing on how artists have aimed over the centuries to give us a glimpse of the Divine. Taking place at Knock House Hotel on Saturday, June 8th, this promises to be a unique event, drawing together experts from the art world. Fr. Patrick van der Vorst is a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Westminster, London. Patrick was born and raised in Bruges, Belgium. Before being ordained to the priesthood in June 2023, Patrick was a former Director of Sotheby’s Europe and worked 25 years in the art world. He is a specialist in 18th century French furniture. In 2010 Patrick left Sotheby’s to set up his own online art valuation company and appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

He launched the www.christian.art.com website in the period after having left the art-world and before starting seminary. In his daily reflections, Fr. Patrick combines his knowledge of the arts with the Gospel. The website now has 70,000 daily readers.

Dr. Caroline Campbell is Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and is the first female Director in the Gallery’s 158-year history.  Dr Campbell has spent her career in three leading international art museums as a curator and senior leader. She has held positions at Ashmoleum Museum, the Courtauld Gallery and the National Gallery, London and has worked as Director of Collections and Research at the National Gallery, London.

Dr. Nora Donnelly is an Educator and Art Critic as well as an artist.  She has taught both at Primary and University levels and written extensively about the value of the experience of art to humankind. In the afternoon, Grace Mulqueen, curator at Knock Museum will lead us on a journey through the wide variety of artworks at Knock Shrine, by renowned artists including Harry Clarke, Imogen Stuart, Ger Sweeney, PJ Lynch, Roisin De Buitléir, Lorenzo Ferri and Timothy P Schmalz.

2024 Ignatian Week Retreat

 

  • The Ignatian Week at Knock has been running successfully since it

began in 2016.

 

  • Ignatian Week 2024 dates: Sun 28 July pm – Sun 04 Aug midday.

 

  • The theme of the week will focus on Christian Hope

be prepared give an account of the hope that is in you…  (1 Pt. 3:15)

 

 “God where are you?”…  Finding Hope in our Fragile World

 

  • The week could serve as a retreat and will include the possibility for spiritual direction.

 

  • If you are unable to attend for the entire week, you are welcome to come as and when you can.

 

  • The week will also be livestreamed online.

 

Details to follow

Retreats and workshops

The Faith Renewal team at Knock Shrine offers a variety of events based on music, family, parish enrichment and spiritual retreats. Retreats and workshops take place throughout the year and encompass a wide range of topics from art workshops, Scripture, Ignatian spirituality and Sacred music.

These events are aimed at adults and include a series of one-day retreats and workshops to encourage prayer, deepening of faith and spiritual rejuvenation. Take timeout for yourself and join us for some days of quiet prayer, reflection and exploration. Parish groups are welcome and booking is recommended.

For bookings and further information, email faithrenewal@knockshrine.ie or telephone 094 93 75 355