PILGRIMS from several counties, some of them barefoot, were on the move to Knock Shrine last night as they continued an age-old tradition of observing the novena.They came from across the counties of Mayo, Roscommon and parts of Galway in their thousands.
The traditional ceremonies mark the Feast of the Assumption.
By the time the novena concludes on August 22, more than 150,000 pilgrims will have participated.
Significant numbers of Travellers are among the influx to Knock. They have found, however, that parking is at a premium.
Many have been denied entry to the main Shrine car parks and unofficial parking spaces for their caravans have been hard to obtain because of the number of boulders and mammoth concrete blocks strategically placed to stop them passing through.
There were clashes last year when tensions reached boiling point between local residents and travellers over illegal parking.
Gardai have increased security this year.
The theme of the 2008 novena is "The Creed that is Dear to the Church."
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