The Mayo News

With a second 'happening' predicted for Knock this weekend, the Archbishop of Tuam has warned against such claims

Archbishop warning ahead of Knock weekend ‘happening’


Michael Commins and Anton McNulty

THE Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary has criticised those who are encouraging people to believe that apparitions will take place at Knock Shrine.
Earlier this month, thousands of people were in Knock after Dublin faith healer, Joe Coleman claimed that Our Lady would appear at the Shrine. However, in a statement released yesterday (Monday) Archbishop Neary criticised these predictions saying that events at the Shrine risk misleading God's people and undermining faith. He added that the Shrine would be best served by maintaining its ‘authentic identity’ and such events are to be regretted rather than be encouraged.
“Knock is a much loved place of pilgrimage and prayer. Ever since the apparition in 1879, believers from home and abroad have made the pilgrimage there in increasing numbers. Such faith makes Knock pilgrims firm in hope and active in love for the sick and suffering. They do not expect visions or seek further apparitions. 
“God has manifested Himself in Jesus Christ and His people have responded ever since.  It is not healthy, does not give glory to God and certainly is not good witness to the faith to be looking for extraordinary phenomena.  The apparition of 1879 was neither sought nor expected by the humble, honest people who were its astonished witnesses.  Their faith reveals the patience and humility that characterises true belief.  The Shrine of Knock is living witness to that faith.
“Unfortunately, recent events at the Shrine obscure this essential message.  They risk misleading God’s people and undermining faith.  For this reason such events are to be regretted rather than encouraged. The Shrine of Knock will be best served by retaining its authentic identity,” he said.
Archbishop Neary released the statement after claims that several thousand people are expected in Knock on next Saturday, October 31, for the second predicted ‘happening’ by Mr Coleman. The Ballyfermot man, who claims he has regular visions of Our Lady since,1986, says another ‘spiritual awakening’ will take place at the Shrine this coming Saturday afternoon.
Thousands of people were in Knock earlier this month in the aftermath of a prediction made by Mr Coleman on RTÉ and in The Mayo News. Several hundred claim to have witnessed some strange phenomena in the sky over Knock between 3.17pm and 3.24 pm on the day. Various photos and “images” from the afternoon have been published in some papers since, especially in the Sunday World.
Speaking to The Mayo News three weeks ago, Mr Coleman claimed:
“I have seen her twice in recent months in the Gable chapel at Knock. The statue comes alive, she opens her arms, a lovely pink cloak comes around her, there are stars above her head, she turned into Jesus, then to Padre Pio and then back to herself. While the vision is happening, I can see nothing else in the chapel.
“She has told me she wants to make the biggest statement she has ever made on this earth. Knock is the spiritual heart of Ireland.”
However, Mr Coleman does not appear to have made known the contents of the “biggest statement” which he expected to hear on the day.
He predicted that another “happening” would take place on the last Saturday in October as well as others on December 8 and Christmas Day. Many people have already booked into accommodation in Knock and surrounding towns for the weekend. Some are travelling from the UK.

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