The volume of essays takes the reader through the life and thoughts of Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th pontiff – priest, bishop, cardinal, pope and theologian.

“At times we are burdened and overwhelmed by the problems of the present moment and lose all sense of perspective, of the fact that we are on a journey,” said Archbishop Neary.

"This has been a very difficult decision that will cause a great deal of disappointment to pilgrims, it also has economic consequences for the wider community and the Shrine itself” - Fr Richard Gibbons, Rector of Knock.

“The Eucharist is not meant to be shared with no one. It’s meant to be shared with everyone present. But we do it online and you are most welcome to join us, wherever you are,” said parish priest of Knock, Fr Richard Gibbons.

“People are able to connect with Knock ... There is a lot of loneliness and isolation and you really get the sense that Knock is something that they are able to hold onto,” said Maria Casey.

People were invited to send in requests to have a specific candle lit for their loved ones, and to pay their own tribute to so many on the front line serving their communities up and down the country.

Fr Richard Gibbons said he was delighted that Knock Shrine was being honoured at such an important Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

“A society that has no room for the elderly or discards them because they create problems has a deadly virus.”

The witnesses “were ordinary people who lived in a very ordinary little village” and included “men, women and children ranging in age from four-year-old John Curry (who spoke no Irish) to Bridget Trench in her seventies (who spoke no English).”

Archbishop Rino Fisichella gave the keynote address at the Co Mayo shrine for the Feast of the Assumption.

“As one of the youngest priests in the Diocese of Elphin, he has made an enormous contribution to the mission of the diocese, particularly in the area of education.”

Team of four is aiming to raise €30,000 for Pieta House, which works with those suffering from depression or anxiety, and Down Syndrome Ireland, which is fundraising for a new regional centre in the west of Ireland.

“It doesn’t in any way indicate a fall-off in the demand for Catholic marriages, but it does indicate a complete sea change with regard to how couples are meeting.”

It features an image of Pope Francis in front of the Irish flag. Another emoji will feature the Pope in front of Knock Shrine.

This year’s Intercession for Priests will begin at Knock Shrine on 6 August on the National Day of Prayer for Priests with a special day of gratitude in honour of Fr Kevin Scallon.

19 new seminarians have begun their formation for Irish dioceses, eight of whom have begun a propaedeutic year in locations in Ireland and abroad.

“My sense of young people is they are willing to listen if you have something to say. They give you a listening ear, you don’t get dismissed when you are talking about social justice and fairness and goodness. .."

Thousands pour into Knock as countdown to World Meeting of Families next year begins and preparatory programme is launched.

“Above all it was about thanking God for the gift of life, and thanking deceased and living donors,” says Bernadette McNeive, mother of an organ recipient.

New programme includes topics that are engaging, relevant and challenging.

“We had people contacting us from all over the world and today at Knock was no different. I must have met everyone in the basilica after Mass and many travelled for hours.”

Those gathered came to “salute, to pray for and to remember the men and women of 1916” – Bishop Brendan Kelly.

“It is my fervent hope that you will go forward from here to bring joy and hope to the life of the Church in your local parish area and beyond,” says Archbishop Neary.

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

Garden is to be a place in view of the Shrine for bereaved parents and is dedicated to the memory of all deceased children.

Thousands of devotees in Knock told, “Wherever he went, crowds flocked to him. Hardened criminals and heretics alike were converted by him.”

Relics of the 'Saint of Lost Things' will visit eight locations in Ireland between 9 and 17 June before travelling on to Britain.

The sister of Fr Yesudas Kodiveetil from the Diocese of Alleppey in Kerala in South India runs a growing charismatic prayer group in Tuam.

Students hear personal testimonies from WYD participant seriously injured in traffic accident and from Richard Moore who was blinded by a plastic bullet as a child.

The refurbishment has seen the Basilica's successful transformation into a warm, meditative space to the benefit of both celebrant and congregation.