The management of Knock Shrine has stood over its decision to introduce a dress code for pilgrims but has apologised to a 13-year-old girl who was told by a security guard that her shorts were in breach of it. Deputy manager Pat Lavelle said the majority of people who visit Knock support the adoption, since the start of this year’s Novena, of a dress code, and that in applying such a code, Knock is coming into line with shrines in other countries, including those at Lourdes and in the Holy Land.
“So far we have had a positive reaction to it - ninety-five per cent of people have said it is a good thing and it was time that this was brought in,” he said.
“People who visit shrines know that there are dress codes in existence at other shrines and see it as being respectful to the place of worship.”
Mr Lavelle stressed that the new code was “a guideline” to visitors and it did not follow that anyone who did not adhere to it would be ejected.
He said pilgrims did not need to go to any expense to be dressed appropriately for visiting Knock, as there were “plenty of casual clothes that look smart and that are acceptable.”
Many of the hundreds of people who write to the shrine each year raise the issue of the dress of pilgrims, he added.
“People tell us what they would like to see happen and a big issue has been why there is no dress code as in other shrines.”
“We didn’t do it hurriedly and all that has happened is that we have erected a simple sign showing visitors what is appropriate.”
Men turning up at Knock with no shirts on and women with scanty attire had, Mr Lavelle claimed, made things “uncomfortable” for other pilgrims.
He said he had apologised repeatedly for an incident involving 13-year old Lauren Moran from Drumshanbo in Co Leitrim, whose mother complained that while she was in confession, her daughter was in tears after being approached by a security guard.
Melanie Moran said the guard told Lauren that her mid-thigh length shorts were in breach of the new code.
Ms. Moran said her daughter had loved going to Knock since her First Communion but following the altercation, had walked out “feeling she wasn’t welcome.”
SIC: CIN