Thursday 23rd August:
Masses in Parish Church at 9 a.m, 12 noon, 3 p.m., 7.30 p.m.
Mass in Blessed Sacramental Chapel at 11 a.m. (followed by Adoration)
Confessions 11 a.m to 5 p.m. (Access from Main road only)
Friday 24th August:
Masses in Parish Church at 9 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m
Mass in Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 11 a.m
Please note there will be no 7.30 p.m Mass today.
Confessions 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Access from main road only)
Saturday 25th August:
Mass in Parish Church at 9 a.m. ONLY. There will be no access to any of the churches or grounds after this Mass. This is to due to essential construction work for the Papal visit. We apologise for any inconvenience caused
The National Transport Authority (NTA), An Gardaí Síochána and public transport operators outlined the comprehensive transportation plan and road closure system to be put in place for the Visit of Pope Francis. The Traffic Management Plan includes important information regarding road closures, parking and transport.
View the Official Traffic Plan for Knock Shrine visit
If you are planning to attend any of the World Meeting of Families 2018 events in Dublin, please find out more here.
Pilgrims are advised to study the official Traffic Plan (above) which is also available at www.garda.ie
Be prepared for extensive delays for parking.
Early arrival is strongly advised. The spiritual programme will begin at 8.30am and all attending are asked to arrive by 8am at the latest
Check the weather before you travel. It is advised to prepare for all weather and bring rain jackets / umbrellas as well as sunscreen, bottled water and essential medications if required
Everyone in attendance will require a ticket to access the Shrine on 26th August. Those that do not have tickets will not gain access
Pilgrims are strongly advised to car pool or travel by bus. Pilgrims are welcome to bring folding chairs to the event
Further information on additional bus services can be found at www.buseireann.ie/popeinireland and train services at www.irishrail.ie
Knock Shrine have released a detailed programme for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Knock Shrine as part of the World Meeting of Families celebrations.
To make the most of this special occasion, Knock Shrine are encouraging everyone to arrive early for a ‘Gathering Event’ and to stay for the open-air celebration of the Sunday Eucharist after the Pope’s departure for Dublin.
At 8.25am on the morning of Sunday August 26th, the bells of Knock Shine will ring out. All churches in the family of six dioceses that make up the ecclesiastical province of Tuam are invited to ring their bells at the same time to signal the beginning of the gathering at Knock and to extend a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to Pope Francis.
Starting from 8.30am, there will be an uplifting Gathering Event entitled Witness to Faith and Family. With video presentations, drama and music pilgrims will be led in prayer and reflection until the arrival of the Holy Father. Focus will be on the story of Knock through the testimony of the Apparition witnesses and Pope Francis’ invitation to witness to the joy of faith and family in our contemporary world. Music for the occasion will be provided by Knock Parish Choir with guest musicians and soloists Sibéal Ní Chasáide and Anne Marie Gibbons.
Upon arrival at the Shrine, the Holy Father will move through the assembly in the Pope Mobile arriving at the Apparition Gable towards 10am where he will be met by the Rector of the Shrine Father Richard Gibbons.
His Holiness will spend some time in silent prayer at the site of the Apparition before exiting the chapel to deliver a short address and lead pilgrims in the Angelus Prayer and imparting his Apostolic Blessing before departing for Ireland West Airport, Knock and returning to Dublin.
Directly after the Holy Father has departed the Shrine, there will be a concelebrated open-air Mass for the Twenty First Sunday of Ordinary Time. Father Richard Gibbons will be the main celebrant and the mass will be concluded by 12.30/1pm. This spiritual programme is part of the official ticketed event.
Angelus text, a hymn sheet and general guidance/information on the liturgical events will be available for download/printing in the days prior to the event.
Road closures in place from 6pm on Saturday evening, 25 August
From 6pm on Saturday the centre of Knock Village will be closed (except to residents). The N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris will be closed from 12 midnight on Saturday until at least 3pm on Sunday.
For those who live and work near Knock, a business and community liaison team is in place to handle queries, working closely with Claremorris Garda Station.
Get on a Private coach or carpool to and from the event
Information updated on a regular basis on www.gov.ie/popeinireland, which will direct you to all the main information website pages