Dear Editor, About six weeks ago I was happy to sign a petition for kneelers in the Basilica in Knock in the belief that kneeling was a fundamental part of Catholic devotion and worship. However, after visiting Knock Shrine during this summer I have softened this view.
The basilica, in my opinion, now bears little or no resemblance to that of about 10 years ago. It is now bright, airy, modern and – most of all – far more welcoming. Back, 10 years ago, it was dated and, more importantly, not very welcoming to pilgrims attending Mass etc there. In particular, for pilgrims, there were only stackable chairs – and no kneelers!
Now, instead of these chairs, there are rows of very high quality, polished, wooden seats which seem no-expense-spared – even down to having a lamb embossed into the side of the outer seat at the edge of each row. Each seat spring-loads up into a vertical position when not occupied. To me it appears that they are ideal to accommodate (i) sitting (ii) easy access to/from the aisles, and (iii) giving Holy Communion to people who wish to remain in the seats.
However, these rows of seats do NOT have kneelers!
Could it be because they would restrict this generous space between the rows of seats or cause pilgrims – often elderly – to trip or stumble over such kneelers on their way in and out of these seats?
To further complicate this issue, in the absence of any guidance, some pilgrims tend to stand during Mass causing those sitting, or kneeling, behind them significant frustration because they can’t see the altar. In my own case, this summer, I knelt out in the aisle for this reason!
My suggestion, bearing in mind the very significant expense already expended on these high-quality seats, would be to have a row of carpet or rubber affixed to the floor behind each row of seats for kneeling on, and instructions, prior to Mass or every ceremony, to pilgrims regarding standing/kneeling for everybody’s benefit.
Lastly, a prediction: once the beauty of the mosaic in the basilica is publicised and seen it will become the Eighth wonder of the world! No picture does it justice!
Yours etc.,
James & Anne Maher,
Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.