Pope Francis Invites Knock Shrine To Join Prayer Initiative In May

Pope Francis invites Knock Shrine to join marathon prayer initiative in May to end pandemic

Archbishop Michael Neary has welcomed the inclusion of Knock, the international Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, as one of thirty shrines around the world invited by the Holy Father Pope Francis to be part of the Holy Father’s marathon of prayer for the end to the pandemic.

Archbishop Neary said

“The International Shrine of Our Lady of Knock welcomes the Holy Father’s heartfelt wish that the month of May will be dedicated to a ‘marathon’ of prayer, to ask for the end of the pandemic, which has afflicted the world for more than a year now, and to pray for the resumption of social and work activities. I commend Pope Francis’ wish to involve all the Marian shrines around the world in this initiative, so that they may become vehicles of the prayer of the universal Church.”

Pope Francis launched this marathon of prayer at the Vatican on 1 May, during which he blessed special Rosaries, one of which will be sent to the Marian Shrine at Knock. The Holy Father will also conclude the month of prayer from the Vatican on 31 May. The Holy Father has assigned a special intention for each day of the month. The Rosary from Knock on Monday, 10 May will have the special intention of prayer for all people with disabilities.

Archbishop Michael Neary will preside, assisted by the Parish Priest of Knock and Rector of the International Shrine, Father Richard Gibbons, as the Rosary is recited at 5.00pm on Monday 10 May. It will be live streamed on the Knock Shrine website  and on the Knock Shrine Facebook page.

Official channels of the Holy See will broadcast the prayer said each day in each of these thirty Shrines at 6.00pm, Rome time (5.00pm Irish time). A short liturgical guide has been prepared that provides some useful suggestions which can be downloaded from the website of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization www.pcpne.va