Grandparents honoured in Knock

Thousands converge on Knock to honour their grandparents


Emer Gallagher

OVER 10,000 people converged on Knock last Sunday for the National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage – the brainchild of a Westport grandmother.
The pilgrimage managed to exceed all expectations by doubling the numbers that attended last year’s inaugural event. “It was absolutely fantastic. It was unbelievable that we doubled figures. Last year’s event was so successful, but the numbers that came this year show that there is a desperate need for this pilgrimage,” said Catherine Wiley, the grandmother of ten who organised the first-ever National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage in Knock Shrine, last year.
The aim of the event is to honour grandparents and the role they play in the modern family.
The keynote speaker at the pilgrimage was well-known religious affairs writer David Quinn, with celebrated composer and spiritual singer Liam Lawton debuted his song which honours grandparents, ‘There was a time’, on the day. Former Eurovision winner Dana was also present on the day and sang ‘Lady of Knock’ to the packed congregation.
Following the success of last year’s event, Pope Benedict XVI was inspired to pen a Prayer For Grandparents. It was revealed for the first time on Sunday.
“Listening to 10,000 people all reciting the Pope’s Prayer For Grandparents together was really powerful. The atmosphere in Knock was incredible,” said Catherine, who lives in Murrisk with her husband Stewart.
“I got the idea for the pilgrimage when I started to realise just how important a part grandmothers and grandfathers play in so many families. They are baby-sitters when parents are so busy with their working lives, and they also have a unique relationship with their grandchildren.
“Many grandparents today are struggling with the effects of divorced, separated, second union, or single-parent families on their children and their children’s children. I have ten grandchildren and I know the special relationship that exists between grandparents and grandchildren. Grandparents are there from the birth of the child, they are ever-present and they enjoy the trust of their grandchildren from a very young age.”
Catherine, who is a native of Castlebar, has now been invited to explain to a high-powered Vatican Council just how – and why – she established the annual event.
She will take part in a Plenary Session of the Pontifical Council for the Family from April 3 to 5, in Vatican City.
The theme of the meeting will be ‘Grandparents: Presence and Testimony in the Family’.
“I am very honoured and humbled by this invitation. It is a great thing that the Pontifical Council for the Family are to discuss the role of grandparents,” said Catherine.