Colm Fitzpatrick
Around 5,000 people across Ireland gathered at Knock Shrine last week to pray for the protection of the right to life of the unborn ahead of the upcoming referendum this month.
The pilgrimage to Knock on April 29 was organised by the national Apostolate of Eucharistic adoration, on the theme ‘The Family of Eucharistic Adoration’ with a focus on praying for future mothers and their unborn children.
Speaking ahead of the event, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan said that attendees intend to gather around Mary to implore God to “scatter the darkness and confusion in so many minds which are unable to see the humanity of the unborn and their right to life which is the most basic of all rights”.
At the event, members of the national committee of the Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration, Bartle Ó Curraoin and John Howard welcomed all in attendance before a talk on ‘Adoration – For all the Family’. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Cullinan, followed by a Eucharistic Procession lead from the Basilica, finishing in the Apparition Chapel for Benediction.
Inspiring
“It was very inspiring and you had people from every diocese in Ireland – from the four corners of Ireland,” said Mr Howard, adding that there were a variety of age groups in attendance, and that young people had their own space for workshops and adoration.
Mr Howard also encouraged parishioners to attend local events in their own dioceses and parishes, such as adoration vigils or rosaries, and to remain persistent in praying for the protection of the unborn child.
“We would love to see people continuing their prayer, and irrespective of the result, we want the prayer to continue.”