Over 200,000 people are expected to participate in the 32nd National Solemn Novena at Knock, which runs from August 14-22. The Novena, which began in 1977, will celebrate the 130th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady and the theme of the novena this year is 'Seeds of Hope'.
Mr Pat Lavelle, Director of the Shrine, said that he is looking forward to welcoming pilgrims to a celebration of hope. ''I think it is important that in these days of doom and gloom that we are able to give people a hopeful message to take home.''
A number of well-known speakers will reflect on different aspects of the theme during the nine-day novena, with two sessions taking place each day - 3pm and 8.30pm.
A cardinal will start and end the novena, with Cardinal Seán Brady giving the opening address and Cardinal O'Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh in Scotland will give the final talk.
Other speakers include RTE's Bryan Dobson, Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, Bishop Christopher Jones of Elphin and Bishop Philip Boyce of Raphoe, who will give a talk on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), which is a particularly special day for the novena with pilgrims walking through the night saying the Rosary.
Groups from the Dioceses of Elphin and Raphoe will make their annual diocesan pilgrimage for the novena.
The afternoon sessions at 3pm will include the Anointing of the Sick and conclude with a Eucharistic Procession and Benediction at the Apparition Chapel.
The evening sessions at 8.30pm will conclude with a Candlelight Rosary Procession, which is an emotional highlight for many pilgrims. The Sacrament of Penance (Confessions) will be available for eight hours daily.
For further information contact the Knock Shrine Office on 094-9388100 or visit www.knock-shrine.ie
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