The Oblate Family Morning Prayer: Saturday 13th July 2024, Knock Shrine

Today, we join Fr Liam Griffin OMI who, with the Oblate charismatic family, is in Knock Shrine today for the annual Oblate Pilgrimage there.

Knock is Ireland's International Eucharistic & Marian Shrine Knock. On the 21st of August in 1879, 15 people from the village witnessed an apparition of Mary on the gable wall of the parish church. They said she appeared with St Joseph, St John the Evangelist, a lamb and a cross. They watched in pouring rain for two hours, reciting the Rosary, a Marian prayer. Knock is a reminder of the faith that has been passed down through generations.

Gospel Luke 6:15-19
The Shepherds and the Angels

Fr Liam reflects on Knock: "While the shrine is recognised as a Marian shrine because of Mary's apparition, nevertheless, the central focus of the apparition is the altar, the lamb and the cross. And this points unmistakably to the Eucharist and to the mass.

And Jesus' message in the gospel was addressed to particular groups at a particular time, but also across the centuries is addressed to us today. And this has a meaning and a message for us. So also is the apparition of knock. Though silent, it continues to speak, and in that way it has a term which is particular to our times.  "

Thank you for joining us this morning.

You may join the pilgrimage via the Knock Shrine WebCam by visiting https://www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live/