REVEALED: Line-up for popular annual Novena at Mayo shrine

THE speakers for the 2025 National Novena to Our Lady of Knock have been announced in recent days and the Novena gets underway a day earlier this year on Wednesday, August 13 and concludes on August 21, the anniversary of the Apparition of 1879.

The theme of this year’s Novena is Pilgrims of Hope.

“Hope is at the very heart of the Knock Apparition, and throughout this year’s Novena, we will explore how hope can shine through in the most unexpected places

“Each day, inspiring guest speakers will reflect on how hope has revealed itself in their lives and work. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in workshops that explore the daily theme more deeply, and guided prayer sessions will provide moments of quiet reflection, helping us to journey together in faith, prayer, and hope.

“We warmly welcome you to join us at Knock Shrine for this special time of grace, reflection, and renewal from August 13 to 21,” says Fr Richard Gibbons, PP, and Rector at Knock Shrine who studied at the Pontifical Irish College, Rome.

Special guest

ONE of the best known speakers this August will be Eileen Dunne who served as a news anchor with RTÉ radio and television for over 40 years until her retirement in November 2022. Eileen was renowned for the balanced and empathetic nature of covering so many big stories down through the years.

She was much to the fore when covering the visit of Pope Francis to Knock in 2018 and the Eucharistic Congress in 2012 and served as International President of the Association of European Journalists between 2010 and 2014.

Her late father, Mick Dunne, a native of Clonaslee, Laois, was RTÉ’s first GAA correspondent and commentates on many hurling and football games and boxing encounters over many years. Eileen will address the topic, 'Beyond the Headlines’ at both sessions on Monday, August 18.

READ MORE: RTÉ star to preside at opening of major new Mayo facility this Friday

The other speakers are Fr Kevin Kiernan OFM who is the Capuchin Director of the Capuchin Day Centre and Guardian of the Capuchin Friary of St Mary of the Angels in Church Street, Myriam Wijlens who is a Dutch theologian and professor of canon law at the University of Erfurt (Germany), and Ita Lohan who works as a chaplain, firstly in Castlerea prison and currently in Loughan House open centre in Cavan.

Donegal native, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, serves as Diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Raphoe, and is also Administrator of St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, and is the speaker for the 3pm session on Saturday, August 16. He will be joined by Elaine Patton, who is actively involved in youth ministry in the Diocese of Raphoe.

Rev Julian Drapiewski is a permanent deacon of Archdiocese of Tuam and will address the 8pm session. He is a husband, and a father of five children. He is a chartered engineer and entrepreneur and moved to Ireland with his wife in 2004.

Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin and Achonry is the guest speaker at the afternoon session on Sunday, August 17 while John Farrelly, who is Prayer Guidance Coordinator at Knock Shrine, where he also leads the Spiritual Direction Ministry, will address the evening gathering.

Fr Niall Leahy SJ, a native of Blackrock, Louth, and who is based at Gardiner Street Parish in Dublin, will address the theme: ‘Our Place in the Garden: Living with Humility in Creation’.

Breda Casserly is a former healthcare Chaplain in the Galway Hospice. She is a graduate of Galway University and All Hallows College, Dublin, and will address both sessions on Wednesday 20. Her topic is ‘Be not afraid: Finding peace in illness’.

Claire Kilroy, a native of Galway, is a seconded Deputy Principal working in Le Chéile Schools Trust. She will address the topic ‘Living Faith: How young people are shaping the future,’ when she will speak at the 3pm session on Thursday, August 21.

‘Witness Walk’

FR Richard Gibbons, PP, has served as parish priest and Rector of Knock Shrine since 2012. He will lead the ceremonies on the closing evening, starting with the ‘Witness Walk’ where pilgrims walk in the footsteps of the Apparition Witnesses as they made their way to the Parish Church on that wet Thursday evening on August 21, 1879. The evening ceremony in Knock Basilica will commence with a commemoration of each of the Witnesses.

The Novena ceremonies take place each day at 3pm and 8pm in Knock Basilica. There will also be the regular Rosary Procession each afternoon as well as the Candlelight Procession after the evening ceremony (weather permitting).