Knock Shrine have released their new series of faith renewal
events for the 2017 spring and summer seasons. The new series has been developed to offer new and engaging day retreats, workshops, courses and spiritual concerts to the local community and pilgrims visiting the Shrine.
Anticipating the new series, Father Richard Gibbons PP and Rector of Knock Shrine said, “There is a clear demand for faith events of a different nature. In addition to daily Masses and Ceremonies, pilgrims want to engage on a range of themes and to have interaction and thought-provoking discussion with others. The faith renewal events provide just that, whether one is looking for a quiet contemplative day or a workshop where there is time to engage and share with others. We are also looking ahead to 2018 which will be an enormously significant year in the life of the Church. An important aspect of Faith Renewal is supporting families and doing what we can to help them prepare for it.”
Some of the events taking place over the coming months are as follows:
‘Celebrating Family; Preparing for World Meeting of Families 2018’ – Saturday 8 April
Ahead of the World Meeting of Families, which will take place from 22 to 26 August 2018 in Dublin, Knock Shrine will host a special one-day conference to help prepare for the international occasion.
The conference will include a presentation with Father Timothy Bartlett, Secretary General for the World Meeting of Families 2018, and powerful testimonies from families which will be facilitated by teacher and Irish Times columnist Breda O’Brien.
The day will include activities for children and will conclude with Mass at 3pm in the Basilica celebrated by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.
Day Retreats: Quiet Days for Busy People and Resting in the Arms of God
During ‘Quiet Days for Busy People’ Knock Shrine invites visitors to take time out to nourish their souls through guided meditation and quiet reflection. The ‘Quiet Days for Busy People’ retreat days will be held on Saturdays 18 February, 11 March and 29 April.
The day-long workshop ‘Resting in the Arms of God’, hosted by Deirdre Ní Chinnéide, offers visitors a chance to come away from the demands of busy life and to listen and explore with others, the power and presence of God.
‘Resting in the Arms of God’ will take place on Saturday 6 May.
Mary, An Oratorio – Saturday 20 May
In aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Knock Shrine will host the world premiere of an Oratorio in honour of Mary the Mother of God on Saturday 20 May.
Composed and conducted by Cormac O’Duffy, the Oratorio will be performed by a massed choir with a full orchestra drawn almost entirely from local communities and neighbouring counties.
For the full schedule of upcoming events, including day retreats, workshops and training and formation days, please see www.knockshrine.ie/faithrenewal