Meath Pilgrimage to Knock

People from across 69 parishes headed to Knock last Sunday for the Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage, led by Mgr Dermot Farrell, who represented Bishop Smith.  The annual pilgrimage was joined in the celebrations by the Meath Diocesan Choir, directed by Jane Lynch.

Among the thousands of pilgrims were people who are sick or undergoing medical treatment, who always have a special place at the heart of Our Lady’s Shrine.

Mgr Joseph Quinn, Fr Stan Deegan, Msgr Dermot Farrell and Fr Shane Crombie pictured in the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Ireland.

Opening the celebrations, Mgr Dermot Farrell welcomed all to the Basilica in Knock.  Adapting the words of the Sunday Gospel to the occasion, Mgr Farrell said that “whether your burdens are emotional, physical or financial, the Lord has a special word for you today – ‘Courage, it is I; do not be afraid!’”

The homily was preached by Fr Shane Crombie, curate in Tullamore Parish, who has been visiting Knock since his childhood and worked at the Shrine during his seminary training.  Asking the question “why do so many feel that they do not need the Church in their lives?”, he suggested that “oftentimes people do not know or never knew the Lord. God has remained for some like a cartoon character, enough for children, little more than a ghost in the distance”.  

The story of Knock as a place of faith, Fr Crombie pointed out, helps us by coming here to experience the reality of God and his sustaining love for us.  “Our trust in God does not take the cross away from us but reminds us that Christ came to carry our cross with us and for us” he said.

A number of lay people from the Diocese took part in the Mass, including Liam Swords from Tullamore and Dympna O’Neill from Castlepollard who read the Scripture readings.  Children from Rochfortbridge and Tullamore were involved in the Prayers of the Faithful and the Offertory Procession.          

This weekend marks the beginning of the annual National Novena (14 - 22 August), which is expected to attract an attendance of 150,000 people.  The ceremonies will take place daily at 3.00pm and 8.30pm in the Basilica.

Further information:
Fr Paul Crosbie
Bishop's House
Mullingar
County Westmeath

Tel 044-9348841