Michael Commins
CLOSE on 3,000 people attended the special vigil in Knock Basilica on Friday night for Madeleine McCann, the four-year-old Liverpool girl who went missing, feared abducted, in the seaside village of Praia da Luz in south-west Portugal in early May. Madeleine’s maternal grandparents, Sue and Brian Healy, were among the congregation.
Msgr Joe Quinn, PP, Knock, led the words of welcome for Sue and Brian and some friends who had accompanied them from Liverpool. He referred to the anguish and pain which they had been going through since the events of the night of May 3 when Madeleine went missing in Portugal.
The Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev Michael Neary, was also present and led prayers for the safe return of Madeleine. Fr Richard Gibbons recited the rosary as the large congregation took part in the procession through the church grounds just after 9pm.
A television crew from TV3 carried a report on their main night time news, while the vigil also featured on Sky News.
In an interview with The Mayo News, Sue Healy said they were deeply impressed by the huge outpouring of goodwill and support during their visit for the vigil and promised that if Madeline is found safe and well, she will be brought to Knock Shrine within days.
