August 2024

The 2024 National Novena will take place at Our Lady of Knock from Wednesday, August 14th, to Thursday, August 22nd, inclusive.

This year's theme will be 'God Whispering'...How Do You Pray?'

Novena Ceremonies will take place at 3 pm and 8 pm in the Basilica.

Each day, there will be Guest Speakers who will deliver speeches about this year’s theme.

Wednesday 14th August

“Hope for a Changing Church” with Dr Austen Ivereigh at 3 pm and 8 pm.

Thursday 15th August

“Keeping Mary Close” with Fr. Richard Leonard at 3 pm and 8 pm.

Friday 16th August

“Mission Possible” with Toni Pyke at 3 pm and 8 pm.

Saturday 17th August

“Mary, Model of Eucharistic Prayer” with Msgr Kevin Gilliespie at 3pm

“To Sing is to Pray Twice” with Donna Taggart at 8 pm.

Sunday 18th August

“Praying the Mysteries of Creation” with Bishop Kevin Doran at 3 pm

“Pilgrimage: A Walk with God” with Judith King at 8 pm

Monday 19th August

“Everything starts from prayer” with Sr Orla Treacy at 3 pm and 8 pm.

Tuesday 20th August

“What it means to believe” with Aaron Gillane at 3 pm and 8 pm.

Wednesday 21st August

“Connecting with God in a frantic world” with Grainne Doherty at 3 pm

“Prayer is where the impossible happens” with Fr Richard Gibbons at 8 pm. He will lead this special celebratory Mass on the evening of the 145th anniversary of the Knock Apparition.

Thursday 22nd August

“Why is God so silent” with Fr Jos Moons, at 3 pm and 8 pm.

Each day following the 8 pm ceremony, there will be the candlelight procession, weather permitting.

Workshops will take place at 12.45 pm in St John’s Welcome Centre.

Daily Prayer Sessions will take place at 11.15 am and 12.45 pm in the Prayer Centre.

On Sunday, August 18th, Family Day will take place at the Shrine Gardens from 11 am. to 3 pm. There will be outdoor activities, indoor workshops, games, and much more.