Articles
Knock
- Details
- Category: Travel Destinations
- Published on Thursday, 08 January 2009 12:38
- Written by Super User
Knock is a sacred place. It’s a place of peace. It provides pilgrims with an opportunity to connect with God and with Mary, the Mother of Jesus; it’s an oasis that calls people amidst the noise, din and stress of modern life.
That is why a million people come on pilgrimage to Knock every year - and why they keep coming, because Knock is a unique place.
There is a hunger within us all for the transcendent, for the Divine. Nowadays many people are searching for ways to reach out to God and connect with Him. Sometimes they are not sure how to do this. Knock Shrine can facilitate people in that search - and offers many opportunities for prayer and worship, for stillness and peace in our souls, which is so necessary in our busy and sometimes hectic world.
The 90 acres of Shrine Domain with its tastefully landscaped grounds of lawns, trees, shrubs, pathways and flowers speak of the wonder, beauty and majesty of the Creator, God.
There is the Liturgy everyday (Masses, Ceremonies, Anointings, Rosaries, Processions, Holy Water). The Apparition Chapel with its pristine white marble tableau is a haven of peace for the tired and weary. The Confessional Chapel provides an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and experience God’s forgiveness, healing and peace.
There are the many books in the Shrine bookshop when “faith seeks understanding”.
The museum reminds us of our heritage and roots. In the Prayer Guidance Centre, trained prayer guides teach us how to pray. There is a highly professional counselling service.
In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel one can spend a few quiet moments with the Lord. There’s the majestic Basilica and the old parish church, the shrine offices and much more.
And above all there is Mary, the ever loving and caring Mother of Jesus who invites us to do whatever her Son tells us. Mary, who made Knock a sacred place by her appearance here in 1879.
There's a most friendly staff and a warm céad míle failte for everyone of all faiths and none. All this makes Knock unique.
In the words of Jesus to his disciples “Come and See”.
For more information www.knock-shrine.ie/
