Travel Guide Knock

Knock, called Cnoc Mhuire in Gaelic ("Mary's Hill"), is today a famous place of prayer and pilgrimage visited by over 1.5 million people every year, in search of peace and healing. Today, faith no longer moves mountains, but builds international airports, as witness Knock and its legendary priest. A pilgrimage town, Knock is certainly the most visited place on the West Island. On August 21, 1879, 15 villagers had the privilege of witnessing the apparition of the Blessed Virgin, Joseph and John. The villagers stood transfixed by this miraculous vision for 2 hours - and in the rain! Since then, the town has acquired a basilica, Our Lady's Shrine, capable of welcoming thousands of pilgrims (including Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa), and a suitable campsite. But Mgr James Horan didn't stop there: for years, he fought for the construction of an international airport (!) for pilgrim traffic... Much stronger than Lourdes or Fatima! Extract from the program: 7 masses a day, confessions from 11am, public devotion at 2.15pm every day, vigil night once a month and a museum telling the story of the Knock miracle.