Knock Shrine reopens for public worship and Novena looks set to return

WELCOME CHANGE FOR PILGRIMS Fr Richard Gibbons, Knock Shrine. Pic: Keith Heneghan


Michael Commins

KNOCK Shrine officially reopens for public Mass and Confessions today, Tuesday, May 11. It is hopes that this marks the first steps in a return to normal procedures at the Shrine in the weeks and months ahead.
Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of the Shrine, also announced in recent days that plans are being put in place for the return of the annual Novena in August as the country gets back on track with the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccines and the substantial decline in people with Covid-19 in hospitals around the country. Plans in relation to the National Novena will be announced in the coming weeks.   
With the lifting of restrictions on travel between counties on Monday, May 10, Knock Shrine and village can expect a surge in numbers visiting the area in the coming days, weeks and months.
Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Church at 12 noon, 3pm and 7.30pm (with Rosary at 7pm) from Monday to Friday. Attendance will be restricted to a maximum of 50 people in the Parish Church on a first-come, first-served basis with queuing systems in place and ushers on hand to assist pilgrims.
Due to necessary maintenance works currently taking place throughout May, the Basilica will open at weekends-only for Mass and will be closed to the public at all other times. On Saturdays, Mass will take place at 12 noon, 3pm and 7.30pm (with Rosary at 7pm) and on Sundays at 12 noon and 3pm (with Rosary at 2.30pm).
Attendance in the Basilica will be restricted to a maximum of 200 people (first-come, first-served basis) with queuing systems in place and social distancing measures and health and safety precautions in place. From June onwards, it is planned that all Masses will take place in the Basilica in order to accommodate pilgrims.
Confessions will be available in the Chapel of Reconciliation daily from Tuesday, May 11, from 11am to 3pm.

Private daily prayer
The Apparition Chapel will be open for private prayer daily from 9am to 9pm. Visitors to the Shrine will also be able to attend private prayer in the Parish Church at weekends.
The Bookshop and Mass Card offices at the Shrine will reopen at the later date of Monday, May 17, with limited capacity and strict queuing systems in place.
Knock Counselling Centre will reopen to facilitate face-to-face appointments with social distancing measures in place. It will also continue to offer counselling sessions online.
The award-winning Knock Museum will also reopen to the public on Monday, May 31, with limited capacity. The Museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience the rich and fascinating history of the shrine.
Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of the Shrine, says the move to reopen churches for public worship at Knock Shrine will be a welcome change for pilgrims and parishioners who, for the past number of months, have only been able to participate in Masses virtually from their own homes.
“We want people to have a positive and welcoming experience during their time here. Every precaution has been made to welcome visitors back to the Shrine in a safe and controlled way.
“Shrine staff and ushers will be present at all of the churches and public buildings to assist with queuing systems, the wearing of face masks and social distancing. Our priority is the safety of our staff and visitors. For those who are unable to visit in person, we will continue to stream Mass daily on our website.”
MORE Further information, including full details of opening dates and times, can be found at www.knockshrine.ie.