"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.

The role of the Rector is to oversee the mission of the National Shrine and to be responsible for the pastoral and spiritual care of pilgrims, the Shrine Chaplains and visiting clergy.

Among the tens of thousands of Irish who have visited the shrine are President John F Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Brendan Behan and Seamus Heaney.

“In Lourdes, the sick and weak have pride of place and become central in our interaction,” says leader of Dublin diocesan pilgrimage, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

“Our crowds are holding up well. We get 500 to 600 a night,” - John Mooney, Secretary, Ladywell Committee.

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

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

Theme of 2014 Derry pilgrimage is ‘The joy of conversion’.