WMOF Icon of the Holy Family at Knock Shrine

The newly commissioned Icon of the Holy Family was unveiled and anointed by the Archbishop during the 3pm Novena ceremony on the 21st August, the anniversary of the Apparition at Knock.

There was much anticipation to see the stunning Icon, which is a triptych style representing the Holy Family in the centre. The icon was written by Mihai Cucu with the assistance of the Redemptoristine Contemplative Community in Drumcondra as part of their ongoing prayer for families. The icon is meant to encourage both reflection and prayer as part of the journey of preparations to World Meeting of Families 2018. Petition boxes were also carried in from each diocese which will accompany the Icon as it travels around the country.

The Icon will travel to the Irish Church’s 26 dioceses as part of the preparation and awareness-raising ahead of the international gathering of the World Meeting of Families from 21–26 August 2018. It will be accompanied by petition boxes and contemplative communities around Ireland have agreed to take petitions collected from families and to pray for them during the coming year.

The locations and dates have yet to be fully confirmed.

When the icon is closed, its two doors show the two Archangels, Michael and Gabriel, communicating the protection of God. When open, the centrepiece shows the Holy Family who are sitting at a table inviting us to come to their table and share the Passover meal.

Two other scenes from the Gospel which both relate to marriage and family life are also depicted – The Wedding Feast at Cana and The Curing of Jairus’ Daughter. 

Find out more about the World Meeting of Families