Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector at Knock Shrine, has announced this week that the National Novena will be postponed until later this year. The Novena was due to take place from August 14 to 22.
Fr Richard stated: "We have taken this decision in the interest of the health and safety of our pilgrims and staff here at the Shrine. Given the recent concern from both government and health agencies regarding the Delta variant of the virus, the responsible course of action is to postpone the national Novena at this time."
Fr Richard has expressed his disappointment at the postponement of the Novena for a second year and is hopeful that the national event will take place later this year. "It is vital that we allow the national vaccination programme to proceed across all age groups. Once we can safely gather again at Knock Shrine, a full programme will be announced for the Novena later in the year," he said.
The Shrine is open to the public and welcoming pilgrims for the celebration of daily Mass with restricted capacity at Knock Basilica. Confessions are available daily as well as other services, including the Mass Enrolment office, Knock Museum and Knock Counselling Centre.
"We continue to welcome pilgrims to the Shrine. They can rest assured that it is a very safe place to visit with every precaution in place to ensure the safety of all visitors. There are queueing systems in place at all public buildings in the Shrine grounds and ushers and staff are present to ensure everything is done correctly and in line with Government guidelines."
Throughout the month of August, additional Masses will be available. Full details are available on the Knock Shrine website www.knockshrine.ie
