One pilgrims account of a great and graceful visit to Knock Shrine on the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage. Read More
On 29th April, 2023 I went on the Pastoral area pilgrimage to Knock Shrine with a group of pilgrims from our Pastoral area. The weather was mild as our coach headed off from Greystones early on Saturday morning. Fr. Gerard Tyrell was our Spiritual Guide.
We stopped along the way in a hotel for refreshments. We were then soon back on the road heading for Knock Shrine. The journey was pleasant and joyful as we chatted and made friends with fellow pilgrims.
We arrived at Knock Shrine in good time. At 12.00pm pilgrims were welcomed and introduced to the workshops. I headed for the workshop ‘Laudato Si’ presented by Jane Mellett of Trocaire. Jane currently works as the Laudato Si Officer for Trocaire. ‘Laudato Si’ is the second encyclical of Pope Francis. It has the subtitle “on care for our common home” and calls all people of the world to take “swift and unified global action”. The workshop was most interesting, and Jane focused on how to apply ‘Laudato Si’ in parishes.
We then had free time to have lunch and to explore Knock Shrine grounds. The Sacrament of the sick was in the Basilica before the pilgrimage Mass. Fr. Gerard kindly assisted with the Sacrament of Reconciliation with other diocesan priests before the Pilgrimage Mass.
The Pilgrimage Mass with Chief Celebrant Archbishop Dermot Farrell was at 3.00pm and was the highlight of the day. The celebration was beautiful and was enhanced by the heavenly ‘Choir of Many Voices’ with a diverse group from throughout the diocese. Some altar servers from our Pastoral area served the mass with Archbishop Farrell. Fr. Gerard signed for the deaf community. Following Mass Archbishop Farrell led the Eucharistic Procession and blessed all present.
Afterwards there was an opportunity to have group photographs taken with Archbishop Farrell.
We then departed for our homeward journey. We stopped along the way and all the pilgrims enjoyed a lovely meal together. On the homeward journey Fr. Gerard played his guitar and we enjoyed a sing-song and music and everyone joined in. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!
All in all, it was a great day full of graced moments.
