Our Lady of Knock
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On 21 August 1879, in the small village of Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, fifteen people reported witnessing an apparition at the gable wall of their parish church. According to their accounts, the vision included the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint John the Evangelist, and a Lamb standing on an altar before a cross.
The witnesses watched the silent apparition for around two hours in the pouring rain, praying the Rosary. Their testimonies were later examined by an ecclesiastical commission, which found them trustworthy and satisfactory.
Our Lady of Knock is also venerated as Mary, Queen of Ireland, a title deeply rooted in Irish Catholic devotion. The Basilica at Knock bears the title Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, officially announced by Pope John Paul II in 1979. (Knock Shrine)
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find”. Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to Heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death. Amen