Our Lady of  Knock On the evening of August 21, 1879, in the village of Knock, County Mayo, the housekeeper of the local parish church saw the south outside wall of the church bathed in a light of unknown origin. Going to fetch a friend, she and her companion came back to witness an apparition of the Virgin Mary, with two others figures, who were understood to be St. Joseph and John the Evangelist. In addition, there was an altar, with a cross and a lamb on it. Others gathered and likewise saw the figures. A notable feature of this Marian apparition is that Mary was silent. Acceptance of authenticity was slow–some local ecclesiastical authorities suspected a hoax by the local Protestant constable! Today Knock is the site of a large basilica and a dedicated place of pilgrimage. Once celebrated on August 21 in the Roman calendar, the feast has been moved to August 13 to make way for Pope St. Pius X National Novena to Our Lady of Knock 13 – 21 August 2026 Since 1977, the  National Novena to Our Lady of Knock has taken place at Knock Shrine,   welcoming pilgrims from across Ireland and abroad to gather in prayer and   reflection. This year’s theme, “Sheltered in God’s Love,” marks the 50th  anniversary of the opening of Knock Basilica and reflects its  continuing role as a place of faith, hope and community for all who visit this sacred place. Ceremonies each day at 3pm and 8pm  Novena Prayer  to Our Lady of Knock: Queen of  Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress, and comforted them in  sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your  divine Son, remembering His promise “Ask and you shall  receive, seek and you shall find”. Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and     sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed   Sacrament. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death. Amen