To see video giving a glimpse of the historic visit of Pope Francis to Our Lady’s Shrine in Knock click here
This is where Our Lady had appeared on the night of Thursday, 21st August, 1879. Some of the overwhelming joy, felt in the hearts of Mercy Sisters in the west at Pope Francis’s visit is expressed here, in anonymous, amalgamated form:
2018 visit is very exciting for me to be with Pope Francis in Knock, breathing in the same atmosphere. He will taste the faith of us Irish, even if briefly, even if a bit tatty. Rain seems to be one of the hallmarks of the Knock experience…. we were lucky because it rained more heavily when we were on the bus than when we were in the field. 5.30 a.m. Sunday Morning, August 26th 2018, we set out from Strandhill in Sligo for Knock, windswept, wet and cold. We were able to watch on the big screens the arrival of Pope Francis at Knock airport and join in the welcome given to him by all who were gathered there. We eagerly awaited his arrival in Knock and were overjoyed when we caught a glimpse of the Popemobile entering the grounds. He travelled around the different areas and greeted the people with a smile and a wave of his hand. We got a very close up view of him as he came right by where we were standing. It was so touching to see him meet and greet the sick, the invalids and the children.
It was a privilege to get a close up view of him as he passed. One would think (as I did) that he looked at each of us. I waved my flag with all the mercy charism that I could muster up. As we sang the Knock Hymn “Golden Rose” I looked and could see “people of all ages (and all nations!), gathered round the gable wall.” As the bells rang out for the Angelus, a hushed silence descended on the whole area. It was sacred as the song says “There was something in the air that day.” As he prayed silently in the Apparition Chapel a huge silence permeated through the whole congregation. It was a very special time as one could sense the power of silent prayer rising up like incense.
Pope Francis’ address to the crowds was deeply moving and inspirational. In the Apparition Chapel, I lifted up to Our Lady’s loving intercession all the families of the world, and, in a special way, your families, the families of Ireland, I ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for all the survivors of abuse of any kind and to confirm every member of our Christian family in the resolve never again to permit these situations to occur: Pope Francis. I felt everybody was listening to his words with full attention and great respect. The Pope’s message was honest and brave… it was a privilege to be present. Pope Francis showed great stamina and without any preaching or laying down the law he exuded words of wisdom for families’ challenges, telling them that families are the hope of the Church. He prayed for forgiveness for scandals caused by church members and lauded the peace which has lasted twenty years in the Irish Republic and the Northern counties. I was struck by the praise he gave to the wisdom of the elderly, and his encouragement to the younger generations to draw on the experience of grand-parents. A society that does not value grandparents is a society that has no future. He encouraged relationships that enable us to grow to our full potential and avoid isolation. He spoke of the saints next door, who express God’s love in little act of kindness. The number of parents with very young children and who traveled from all parts of Ireland to be present was an inspiration as well. Mass was celebrated, after the Pope left, by Fr. Richard Gibbons PP, and the Knock choir did the singing. I’m very happy to have been able to be present.
As we made our way to the bus, everyone was in silent mode reflecting on their experience in Knock on that morning. For me the pilgrimage was not ended. I had to return to Knock and walk the walk again, recalling for myself on the following Wednesday. I savoured this experience as I enjoyed a cup of coffee in the restaurant, one I had so longed for on Sunday morning.
I availed of the massive coverage given on TV both in Knock and in Dublin, attentively watching all events on TV. My impressions are that, he felt at home and enjoyed himself among us, and that he sowed seeds that can bring forth fruit in a brighter future. The good will and excitement of the pilgrims was palpable. There was however, much darkness and negativity overshadowing this visit and now we must face our responsibilities. I felt it a privilege to have been present when, for a second time, a Pope found his way to my native county of Mayo. There is no doubt that he brought a blessing to the west of Ireland and it is my prayer that he too felt blessed, both by being in the holy shrine of the apparition chapel in Knock, and by the presence of the thousands who came, to be in his presence there.
Post Script: When Saint John Paul visited Knock in 1979, Sister Regina Lydon was privileged to receive Holy Communion from him. This is the photograph she treasures. (Photographer unknown)
As one of the witnesses to the apparition proclaimed: ‘I threw myself on my knees and exclaimed: ‘A hundred thousand thanks to God.’
Suzanne Ryder rsm
Western Province
