Archbishop Michael Neary says the Legion of Mary was “way ahead of its time” because it was promoting the laity long before the Church began to emphasise the importance of various lay ministries.
"This has been an incredibly difficult year for so many grandparents around the world. The pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity to make them feel cherished and valued,” says CGA founder Catherine Wiley.
Archbishop Michael Neary told Shane that his responsibilities as a priest will be counter-cultural when he preaches Christ’s gospel: “As a priest of Jesus Christ you will proclaim his message, you will do so utilising your gifts, interests and insights but it will always be his message not your own preferences or prejudices,” said Archbishop Neary.
"For the safety of our parishioners, pilgrims, visitors, staff, volunteers and priests, Knock Shrine has taken the unprecedented and heart-breaking decision to close the Shrine and grounds for the 15th August only,” said Father Richard Gibbons, Rector, Knock.
“Joy is a perfect word as Mary’s Meals bring so much joy to the children, their families, their teachers, their communities,” said organiser Patricia Friel.
Carried into the Anointing of the Sick in Knock in 1989 on a stretcher, during Mass Marion Carroll felt a ‘whispery breeze’ pass over her. When Mass was over, she stepped free of pain from her stretcher.
Bishop Kevin Doran pays tribute to an Garda Siochána at a service to mark the events of 7 July 1980 in Loughglynn, when Garda Henry Byrne and Detective Garda John Morley died in the line of duty.
“This is an important celebration of faith in the life of the local and Universal Church,” says Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin
"Our Lady’s appearance at Knock gave people a sense of hope. Ireland needs to hear that message again at a time when so many are under pressure, depressed, and fearful” - Campbell Miller, director of 'Hope'.
“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.
"The virtual pilgrimage will give us an opportunity to pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Knock for all our intentions. Please God, we will be in a position to visit Knock again in person in the not too distant future," said Archbishop Martin.
“I see this conference as an endorsement of the key role the elderly play in our Church and in society today. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recognised that critical role when he wrote a special Prayer for Grandparents in 2008” - Bishop Denis Nulty.
"I look forward to meeting with hundreds of Irish pilgrims on the banks of the Danube next September," says Bishop of Elphin.
Bishop refers to idealistic young people who are hungering for a truth that will help them make sense of their lives and who fear the sort of climate they will have to live in as they grow older.
“Our priorities are too easily blind towards the crisis that exists in far too many places in our society.”
“I recognise that Marion was healed from her long-standing illness while on pilgrimage in this sacred place” – Bishop Francis Duffy.
In his homily, the Archbishop told pilgrims that, for many, material success and personal fulfilment have become the goal and purpose of human life.
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.
The new processional statue will be formally unveiled later this month as part of events to mark the 140th anniversary of the Knock apparitions in 1879.
Wednesday, 21st August marks the 140th anniversary of the apparition in 1879, and a special day of celebration is planned to mark the occasion.
“This is an essential part of the mission of the priest; to break for the people the bread of God’s Word as well as the bread of the Eucharist.”
“In the future when weekday and even Sunday Mass is not available, some of you might be formed to lead a period of guided adoration with prayers, praise and sharing of the Word of God.”
The Worldpriest Annual Global Rosary Relay Novena starts on 20 June and finishes on 28 June, and includes daily reflection done to a camera, to be broadcast worldwide.
"I ask you to think of five different people, that the love of Christ may really take root in their hearts."
Guest speakers at the event will be Trócaire’s head of policy and advocacy, Lorna Gold, and the former president of Mater Dei, Fr Dermot Lane.
“We state definitively that those who do not respect freedom of thought, conscience and religion must be held to account” – Chair of the Council for Justice and Peace of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Alan McGuckian.
“I felt our World Meeting of Families had been hijacked in a way by this particular letter,” Archbishop Eamon Martin says of controversial 25 August missive calling on Pope Francis to resign.
Bishop of Derry tells pilgrims at National Padre Pio Pilgrimage in Knock, “It is a dangerous form of Christianity that believes we have to be a strong and influential organisation giving the lying impression of being pure and perfect.”
However, Pieta House founder, Joan Freeman, would not, as president, “promote the cause of any particular religion or faith”.
