On Saturday, 13th September, nearly five thousand men and women, young and old gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock for the Annual Vincentian Pilgrimage. At the same time, His Holiness Pope Benedict XV1, attracted over a quarter of a million people to celebrate Mass with him on the occasion of his pastoral visit to Paris.

In his homily, Fr Myles Rearden, CM, concentrated the minds of all present on the wonder and mystery of the apparitions at Knock. Why such an event should take place on a cold wet evening in a country townland in the aftermath of the famine, in the presence of a small number of people young and old, continues to draw large crowds to ponder, reflect, and intercede with Mary.

The theme of the apparition is biblical and the cross is central to the message.  The images of Mary flanked by St Joseph and the apostle John inclining towards the Lamb and the cross on the Altar invites us to come to the foot of the altar with our needs and burdens uniting in the mystery of Christ’s saving power through His death and resurrection.

The homily message at Knock has resonances with what the Pope had to say to youth at the week-end. Speaking to youth during his visit in France, Pope Benedict remarked on their wearing of the cross around their neck as a symbol of identity with Jesus and also the silent witness of human suffering and the unique experience of all their hopes.

The Pilgrimage was greatly enhanced by the enthusiasm and presence of many young people on the pilgrimage and especially worthy of mention are the boys from Castleknock College who participated in the work of seating people, distributing miraculous medals, the procession ceremony and acting as Ministers of the Eucharist.

Congratulations to the team who organised the day for their generosity and unstinting effort to make the day an experience of joy, hope and peace as well as the annual occasion to meet with friends and members of the Vincentian Family once again.