Grandparents Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine On Sunday, July 25th 2021

In January of this year, Pope Francis announced a new celebration in honour of all grandparents and the elderly, who are so important to our communities and our Church. This new World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday in July.

On Sunday, July 25th, the annual Grandparents’ Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine will coincide with this new celebration. The pilgrimage Mass will take place at Knock Basilica, commencing with Rosary at 2.30pm and Mass at 3pm.

Welcoming the establishment of the World day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Catherine Wiley, Founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association said:

In his message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly the Holy Father assures us that the Lord is aware of all that we have been through during this time of pandemic. He reminds us that he has been close to all those who felt isolated and alone and that even at the darkest moments, the Lord continues to send angels to console our loneliness and to remind us that He is with us always.

The chief celebrant will be Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam and Patron of the Catholic Grandparents Association. As capacity at Knock Basilica is limited to 200 people, we welcome all grandparents and their children and grandchildren to join us live online for the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on our website www.knockshrine.ie.