WMOF 2018: Programme
Knock Shrine has released a detailed programme for the visit of Pope Francis to the site of the Marian apparition as part of the World Meeting of Families celebrations.
To make the most of this special occasion, Knock are encouraging everyone to arrive early for a ‘Gathering Event’ and to stay for the open-air celebration of the Sunday Eucharist after the Pope’s departure for Dublin.
At 8.25am on the morning of Sunday, August 26, the bells of Knock Shine will ring out. All churches in the family of six dioceses that make up the ecclesiastical province of Tuam are invited to ring their bells at the same time to signal the beginning of the gathering at Knock and to extend a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to Pope Francis.
From 8.30am, what promises to be an uplifting gathering event entitled ‘Witness to Faith and Family’ will begin. With video presentations, drama and music pilgrims will be led in prayer and reflection until the arrival of the Pope Francis. The event’s focus will be on the story of Knock through the testimony of the apparition witnesses and the Pope’s invitation to witness to the joy of faith and family in the contemporary world. Music for the occasion will be provided by Knock Parish Choir with guest musicians and soloists Sibéal Ní Chasáide and Anne Marie Gibbons.
Arrival
Upon arrival at the shrine, the Pontiff will move through the assembly in the Popemobile arriving at the apparition gable towards 10am where he will be met by the rector of the shrine Fr Richard Gibbons.
The Pope is expected to spend some time in silent prayer at the site of the apparition before exiting the chapel to deliver a short address, lead pilgrims in the Angelus prayer and imparting his apostolic blessing before departing for Ireland West Airport, Knock and returning to Dublin.
Directly after the Holy Father has departed the shrine, there will be a concelebrated open-air Mass for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time. Fr Richard Gibbons will be the main celebrant and the Mass will be concluded by 12.30/1pm. This spiritual programme is part of the official ticketed event.