Historic first for Knock Novena as US pilgrims fly in

Staff Reporter

Ireland’s national shrine at Knock will make history at the weekend as the first transatlantic flight carrying pilgrims arrives for the annual novena.

Led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, the pilgrims’ first Mass at the shrine will be broadcast live by RTÉ.

Fr Richard Gibbons, rector of Knock Shrine described the pilgrimage flight as a “momentous and historic occasion”.

He said he hopes this will be the first of many organised pilgrimages into Knock Airport over the coming years.

Fr Gibbons said he hopes the New York pilgrimage will inspire many Americans, particularly Irish-Americans, to “make the journey home to have the opportunity to have the unique experience of pilgrimage at Knock Shrine”.

As part of this year’s national Novena – which takes place from August 14 to 22, Cardinal Dolan will lead opening ceremonies on Friday, August 14 and preach on the theme of faith and family in the basilica at 3pm.

 
Last year, Knock launched the ‘Witness to Hope’ initiative with faith renewal and promotion of the shrine as its core priorities.  “The flight from New York signifies the most crucial element of the Witness to Hope initiative, which is to promote Knock Shrine at home and abroad and we are delighted to see this plan come to fruition.”
 
Other speakers at this year’s Novena include Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin and UN special representative for Peter Sutherland.