Bob and Theresa: Ireland Pilgrimage

StWe were on the road early heading to Knock, site of an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to 15 people. These people were common folks of all ages and occupations.
They were all interviewed and all their stories related the same event - The Blesses Mother appeared with St Joseph, St John, and Jesus in the form of a lamb. It is a major site for pilgrims to Ireland now and many people visit each year.

On the way, we stopped at Belleek Pottery

They produce some fabulous works but are also very expensive. We did enjoy the museum there.

The river just next to the pottery place is the line between Northern Ireland (the flag on the right) and Republic of Ireland (flag on the left across the river).

Back on the road, we were again slowed down - this time by a tractor! If you live in Indiana, you are used to being slowed down by farm machinery.

But we did eventually arrive in Knock - just in time for mass in the Apparition Chapel

The apparition appeared in 1879 on the back side of the church and was completely silent for the duration - about 2 hours. This chapel is built onto the back of the church.

This closer view shows more clearly the statues depicting the apparition.

We were very blessed to celebrate mass here with Bishop Hying presiding.

We were also blessed (again!) with sunshine and very mild weather. After mass, we were allowed to stay in the chapel and pray the rosary together.

This golden rose was presented to the basilica by St Pope John-Paul II recognizing the importance of the site for pilgrimage

The courtyard and basilica have been added of course, since the apparition

This view of the Basilica from the Museum gives an idea how expansive the grounds are now.

Theresa in front of the Basilica

The inside is large and can seat about 5,000

Bob in front of another chapel near the car park

The center-piece of the plaza is this very tall Gaelic cross - the sun was just right for this photo and makes the ring gleam

Adjacent to the main plaza are the stations of the cross which recall Christ's Passion. This center statuary serves as a constant reminder of His sacrifice and suffering for the salvation of all mankind

The 12th Station - Jesus dies on the cross

The church still functions as a parish church

We stepped in the back door and realized a mass was underway. We quietly stole a few photos.

This pieta under the main altar is fabulously beautiful!

We could see this side altar honoring Mary but could only zoom with the camera. Note the Lamb of God image next to Mary

We visited the nearby museum. This statue of Mary was donated to the museum the year following the apparition.

This cottage depicts how the people lived who witnessed the apparition

They were simple folks living in two rooms

They burned earth dug from bogs - the British call it peat (which is reason enough for most Irish to not call it peat!)

This set of statues served for many years until being replaced by the current set.

This photo shows the church sometime after the apparition with a crowd of pilgrims

The streets just outside are not chaotic with vendors and shops as in some other Marian shrines, but quite peaceful. We were told it does get crowded in the summer months, especially on weekends.

It was All Souls Day, so we visited the nearby parish cemetery to pray for our beloved departed

This view of Croagh Patrick greeted us as we arrived in Westport. St Patrick ascended this mountain and remained for 40 days and nights of fasting and prayer.