‘Fantastic’ as Pontiff blesses Knock’s new processional statue of Our Lady

The Rector of Knock Shrine has said it is “fantastic” that Pope Francis blessed their new processional statue, set to be unveiled this month.

The hand-crafted statue was blessed by the Pontiff during his general audience last Wednesday and will be shown publicly on August 21 as part of the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Knock Apparition.

“It was a fantastic day, the Pope spent time with us, he remembered the visit to Ireland and the visit to Knock of course from last year, and spoke about Knock. He was very happy to bless the statue,” said Fr Richard Gibbons. The Pope visited Knock on August 26 last year for the World Meeting of Families.

Blessing

Knock’s Rector added that the Papal Nuncio in Ireland was “tremendous” in making the blessing a reality and “we were absolutely delighted”.

The new statue of Our Lady of Knock was created by Stuflesser Studios in Ortesei, Italy. Fr Gibbons said: “The statue itself turned out extremely well, we’re very, very happy with it.”

“I can actually say with my hand on my heart that it was better seeing it in reality than from all the photographs that I’ve seen of it. There was no issue with it at all.”

As well as the statue, an intricate model of Knock village in 1879 will also be unveiled as part of the 140th anniversary.

People can also partake in a ‘witness walk’ on the day, which is a re-enactment of what happened on the evening of the Apparition. People dress up as the witnesses and recreate what happened all those years ago.

Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary will be the main celebrant at the ceremonies.