In his homily, the Archbishop told pilgrims that, for many, material success and personal fulfilment have become the goal and purpose of human life.

Details of Pontiff’s much anticipated visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in August officially unveiled by Archbishops Diarmuid and Eamon Martin.

“We wanted to modernise the interior but also ensure preservation of all the beautiful historic features. People won’t see a drastic change but we hope that they will be very happy with the new look” - Fr Richard Gibbons.

The 2017 concert sees the world premiere of ‘Beautiful Things’, an original composition by acclaimed Celtic harper Cormac de Barra of Dublin, which commemorates the apparition of Our Lady in Knock in 1879.

More than 2,000 extra pilgrims were at the Marian Shrine, following teenager’s claim that Our Lady would appear at 3 pm.

John Curry was “A man whose only quiet boast was that he was an altar boy from his childhood in Knock to his death at Sacred Heart home with the Little Sisters of the Poor – rarely if ever missing daily Mass – and Holy Communion.”

These presumed apparitions don’t have a lot of value. This I say as a personal opinion – Pope Francis.

Film provides a fascinating, vibrant portrait of the Co Mayo shrine through a vast patchwork of individuals and groups.

The illustration was done by the renowned Irish artist PJ Lynch and it took 1.5 million pieces to complete the mosaic.

Team of mosaic-makers from Italy are in Knock to assemble Irish artist PJ Lynch's depiction of the 1879 apparition.

Speaking as the son of a Knock Shrine steward and handmaid, Archbishop Neary said he was “very conscious of the dedication which they bring to their work”.

Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin joins Armagh diocesan pilgrims as they journey through Knock with the Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin.

September Congress will be an opportunity to reflect on the fruits of IEC2012 and a preparation for the International Congress in Philippines in 2016.