The Miracle at Knock
In August 1879, fifteen people in the village of Knock reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary at the south gable of the parish church. They claimed that as well as seeing the Virgin Mary, they also saw St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist.
The fifteen people who witnessed the apparition were of all ages. They were all questionned about what they had seen and because the stories of all the witness were the same the apparition was taken to be authentic.
News of the apparitions soon spread and pilgrims began to flock to the small village in Mayo. Some people claimed they had been cured of illness after visiting the shrine.
The Basillica at Knock
© Mayo Naturally
© Mayo Naturally
In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited the shrine to mark the 100 year anniversary of the apparition. His visit was a huge event - almost half a million people flocked to Knock to see him and take part in the centenary celebrations.
Knock Today
1.5 million pilgrims visit Knock every year. They come from all over the world to see the church where the apparition took place. There are five churches altogether in Knock. These include the Apparition Church, Parish Church, Basilica, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Chapel of Reconciliation. There is also a religious book shop, a caravan and camping park, a hotel, museum and beautiful gardens around the complex.
Gallery
Apparition Chapel, Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo
The Apparition Chapel at Knock Shrine, Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo contains a sculpure depicting, the Lamb of God, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist. They appeared in an alleged apparition to local people in 1879.
(c) KnockApparition Chapel, Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo - (c) Knock
Chapel of Reconciliation, Knock, Co. Mayo
The Chapel of Reconciliation at at Knock, Co. Mayo caters for the huge numbers of pilgrims who visit Knock Shrine.
Chapel of Reconciliation, Knock, Co. Mayo -
Original handwritten deposition of Judy Campbell, October 1879
A portion of the handwritten deposition of Judy Campbell, a witness to the alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist at Knock, in August 1879.
Original handwritten deposition of Judy Campbell, October 1879 -
Rosary Procession at Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo
Huge numbers of pilgrims take part in religious ceremonies at Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo every year.
Rosary Procession at Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo -
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland Basilica, Knock, Co. Mayo
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland Basilica at Knock, Co. Mayo, was built to cater for the huge numbers of pilgrims who visit Knock Shrine every year.
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland Basilica, Knock, Co. Mayo -