Evening Faith Formation Course
with Fr Eugene Duffy

Dates: Oct 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
November: 7th, 14th & 21st

Time: 8pm – 9.30pm
Fee: €50       Book your place online on Eventbrite

Taking place in St John’s Welcome Centre, Knock Shrine. Booking details to follow.

This short series of presentations will explore some fundamental aspects of our knowledge about Jesus of Nazareth. It will trace how faith in Jesus developed, leading to what we profess about him in our creeds. The series will provide a basic foundation for those who want to deepen their own faith and be in a position to share it with others. It would be an ideal foundational course for those engaged in parish ministries, diocesan or parish pastoral councils.

1. Our Sources – how reliable are the Gospels?
2. The World of Jesus: what do we know about his cultural background?
3. Works: what was so disturbing?
4. Words: what were his new insights?
5. His Death: why did such a good person die?
6. His Resurrection: what did the witnesses see and believe?
7. New Names for Jesus: what do they mean?Jesus – God and Man: understanding the statement of faith

Book your place online on Eventbrite

The Synodal Assembly: Discussions on the Proceedings in Rome

Rev Eugene Duffy in Knock will be in conversation with Rev Eamonn Conway and other distinguished participants at the Synod in Rome, offering insights into the events and discussions.

It is hoped that the conversations will be of particular interest to members of Diocesan and Parish Pastoral Councils, as well as the general public.

This event is free of charge, no bookings necessary. Parish Pastoral Councils are especially encouraged to take part.

Remembrance Mass
Sunday 5th November at 12 noon, Knock Basilica

Each November affords us a time to pause, reflect and remember all those who have died and gone before us into the loving arms of God.

This November, we are offering you the opportunity to join with others, reflect on our loss and the journey of learning to let go.

Ní imithe uainn atá siad, ach imithe romhainn.
They are not gone from us, but gone before us.

‘A Light to Enlighten the World.’

Confessions from 10pm until Midnight on the night of Thursday 7th December. The Vigil will continue in the Basilica from Midnight with Rosary, Holy Hour, Reflections and Prayer, concluding with Mass at 4am.

Dates: Saturday 9th & 16th December
Time: 10.30am
Location: Taize Room, Prayer Centre, Knock Shrine
Fee: 20 per person. 

Book Your Place Online on Eventbrite

‘Seeing is Believing: Reflecting on Art as a Glimpse of the Sacred’ 

These illustrated lectures are designed to make sense of Art. Indeed Nora Donnelly hopes to help not only to make some sense of Art but to make new sense by attending to what we see just for its own sake. In this way she hopes to show that God is immanent and embedded  in all things  visual and that our world is charged with the wonder of His presence.

 Lectures:

These are the sorts of questions we will be asking during the lectures.

What do we need to bring to this painting in order to understand it fully?  And what can we hope to take away from it?

How do we figure it out?  How can we penetrate its meaning? What does it reveal about Mary? And what does it tell us about ourselves?

And how can we discern what the artist means by painting in this or that way or in using particular colours in this precise way? And –above all, how does this painting work as a religious object? Can it be considered as ‘devotional’? Does it inspire prayer in the traditional sense – or is that at all important?

In the first Lecture we will look very closely  at Michelangelo’s depiction of Mary in his Doni Tondo. In the second lecture we will consider a cross-section of work that shows particular aspects of and events in this great miracle of life that is Christmas.

Lecture. 1  Saturday 9th December’
‘Regarding Mary; A Visual Inquiry into Images of the Virgin in Art’

The first illustrated talk will look at images of Mary in Painting. The primary focus of attention is to be Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo which will we examine in detail.  We will also glance at the work of other artists asking how they depicted the Virgin and how they represented the Holy Family. Artists discussed and shown include:- Bellini, Botticelli, Bruegel, Caravaggio, Fra Angelico, Ghirlandaio, Leonardo da Vinci and  Murillo.

Lecture. 2 Saturday 16th December
‘With Respect to Art; Looking at the Miracle that is Christmas’

The second lecture will think about a variety of images of the Nativity. It will take a hop, skip and a jump across a diverse range of paintings that depict various aspects and moments in this wonderful event. It is hoped that these images open the door to admit us to a deeper , broader and more reverent understanding  of what Christmas might mean to the thinking Christian.

The Artists and work featured will include: Federico Barocci, Velasquez, de la Tour, Rembrandt, van der Goes, Gozzoli, Carvaggio, Michelangelo  and Paula Rego

About Nora Donnelly

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.

Tuesday 19th December from 8pm-9pm in the Chapel of Reconciliation with music provided by Schola Cantorum Basilicae.

Sunday 17th December at 8pm

Join with the Schola Cantorum Basilicae and the choirs of Knock in celebrating the joy of Christmas with a collection of carols, hymns and festive favourites at Knock Basilica. Admission free and all are welcome.

A Listening Heart is a Ministry to Priest’s programme presented by Knock Shrine. We understand the demands, pressures and challenges of current pastoral life. We offer space, time and a listening ear to the busy priest. You are welcome for a week, a day or a few hours to find time away to rest, reflect and recover your energy.

As part of the Vincentian Ministry to Priests at Knock, we are available for reconciliation, spiritual direction or a simple chat. If you would like any further information, contact us at  a_listening_heart@vincentians.ie

Upcoming Retreats 2023
1st – 5th October at Knock Shrine

‘The Priest as a Man of God for Others’

Clergy Retreat at St. Mary’s, Knock Shrine
Sunday October 1st (Beginning with Evening meal at 6 pm) to Thursday,  October 5th  2023 (ending with lunch).

Theme: The priest as a man of God for others.

There are a limited number of places still available.

Conducted by the Listening Heart team.
Booking and further information: info@stmarysknock.com
Phone 094  9388156

‘The God who comes in Advent Time’
Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th November at Knock Shrine 

Pre-Advent Retreat: Tuesday 28th  November (Evening meal at 6 p.m.) to Wednesday 29th  November (ending with  evening meal at 6 pm).
Theme: The God Who Comes in Advent Time
Conducted by the Listening Heart Ministry Team

Booking and further information: info@stmarysknock.com

Phone 094  9388156