Events & Retreats
A note before you plan a visit: dates are updated as they are confirmed. For the latest details, or to enquire about a place, please get in touch.
- 3 August 2026
A Visit to the Poor Clare Sisters in Drumshanbo
Yesterday Brothers Seán and Godfrey had the joy of visiting the Poor Clare Sisters in Drumshanbo — a community that holds a very special place in the hearts of all Franciscans. Their monastery, nestled quietly in the Leitrim landscape, radiates the same peace, simplicity, and Gospel joy that St Clare herself carried so faithfully. For us Capuchins, the bond between St Francis of Assisi and St Clare of Assisi is not just a historical connection — it is a living relationship that continues to shape our prayer, our fraternity, and our mission. Wherever the Poor Clares are found, Franciscan brothers feel at home. Yesterday was no exception. We were welcomed with the gentle warmth that is so characteristic of the Drumshanbo community. Their presence is steady, hidden, and luminous — a reminder that the Church is held together not only by visible ministry, but by the quiet fidelity of those who pray without ceasing. A Hidden Strength in the Heart of the Church across Ireland and throughout the world, the Poor Clare monasteries are places where the Gospel is lived with extraordinary simplicity. Their life of enclosure is not a withdrawal from the world, but a deep offering for it. Day after day, they carry the joys, sorrows, hopes, and wounds of God’s people before the Lord. We Capuchins know this well. We feel their support. We depend on their prayers. And we are profoundly grateful. We left Drumshanbo with full hearts, renewed hope, and a deep sense of blessing. To our beloved Poor Clare Sisters: Thank you for your prayer, your witness, your fidelity, and your friendship in Christ. May St Clare continue to shine her gentle light upon your community, and may St Francis keep us united in the joyful service of the Gospel.
- 3 August 2026
Faith on the Mountain: Annual Mass at Mullaghgarve Mass Rock
Over a hundred people climbed Mullaghgarve this morning—through mist, drizzle, and finally bright clearing skies—to celebrate the Annual Mass at the Mass Rock during the Jubilee Year marking 800 years since the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. What began wet and uncertain became a beautiful, breezy gathering of faith and gratitude. Six priests, including three Franciscans, stood at the ancient altar where generations before us once gathered in secrecy. Today’s celebration honoured those friars who risked their lives during Penal times to bring the Eucharist to the people, and the faithful who protected them. In the homily, Fr. Sean Kelly, OFM,Cap reflected on how this mountain has held the faith of our ancestors like a cupped hand. The Franciscans who once climbed these hills carried little more than a chalice and a courage that came from God alone. Their footprints may be gone, but their faith is alive in us. Saint Francis himself loved mountains—places of silence, simplicity, and closeness to God. Standing at Mullaghgarve, creation seemed to preach its own homily: rocks speaking endurance, wind speaking freedom, heather speaking beauty in simplicity. This Mass Rock reminds us that faith survives through courage, community, and Christ at the centre. And in this Jubilee year, we are called to keep the flame burning—not with fear, but with joy; not with secrecy, but with the freedom Francis cherished. As we descended the mountain and gathered for refreshments, there was a sense of gratitude for the past and hope for the future. Mullaghgarve continues to echo the ancient Franciscan prayer: “Deus Meus et Omnia” — My God and my all.
- 2 August 2026
A Week of Joy in Mayo: Celebrating Sam’s Homecoming
County Mayo has experienced an unforgettable week of celebration after ending a 75-year wait to win the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. From Ballaghaderreen to Ballyhaunis, Castlebar to Claremorris, towns and villages came alive as Sam Maguire was welcomed home with pride, joy, and gratitude. A County United in Joy Green and Red flags filled the streets, families gathered in celebration, and people of all generations shared in a moment many thought they would never see. As the team travelled across the county, every stop became a heartfelt expression of thanks for their remarkable achievement. Castlebar Celebrates On Monday, our own Br. Godfrey stood among the crowds in Castlebar as the team arrived. He said the atmosphere was full of joy as thousands of people gathered to welcome their team home. He described faces glowing with pride, strangers embracing, and a sense that Mayo had reclaimed not just a cup, but a piece of its soul. “It wasn’t just noise,” he said. “It was gratitude.” Claremorris Gives Thanks In Claremorris, supporters welcomed the team with a moving rendition of Our Lady of Knock. The spontaneous hymn reflected the deep faith of the people, turning the celebration into a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving for a dream finally fulfilled. A Blessing for Mayo The celebrations continued in Knock, where Fr. Richard Gibbons, Rector of Knock Shrine, had the honour of lifting the Sam Maguire Cup when the team visited Cathy's Bar. He described it as a glorious occasion for Knock and all of County Mayo, thanking the players, management, and County Board for bringing such joy and pride to the county. Mayo's victory is more than sporting success. It is a story of perseverance, hope, faith, and community. After 75 years of waiting, the county has every reason to celebrate. May Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Peace, continue to watch over the people of Mayo.
- 31 July 2026
A Few Individual Pilgrims Discover the Knock Capuchin Friary During Their Pilgrimage
Each year, pilgrims from many parts of the world come to Knock Shrine to honour Our Lady and deepen their faith. Among them, a few individuals have previously visited the great Franciscan places in Italy, including the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels (Portiuncula) in Assisi and the Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo. Occasionally, when these individual pilgrims notice the presence of the Capuchin friars serving in Knock, they express a desire to visit the Knock Capuchin Friary to receive a blessing with the relic of St. Padre Pio, whose spirituality continues to inspire countless people throughout the world. This Special Franciscan Year, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, is also a reason for them to visit the friary for special blessings and prayer. We are grateful to be able to accompany these occasional individual pilgrims with prayer, a simple blessing with the relic of St. Padre Pio when requested, and the warm Franciscan spirit of welcome that has always been at the heart of our vocation.
- 19 July 2026
Cursillo Walkers' Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine on 19 July
Our Lady Of Knock Shrine
🌿 Wishing Every Walker a Safe & Prayerful Journey to Knock Shrine 🌿 As the walkers from Derry, Belfast, Dublin, and Cork set out today on their annual Peace Walk to Knock, we hold each one of you in prayer. This pilgrimage is a powerful witness of faith, hope, and community — mile after mile, step after step, carried by intention, friendship, and the desire for peace. On Sunday, you will arrive together into Knock, where we look forward to welcoming you home for a beautiful celebration of Mass in Knock Parish Church at 3pm. May it be a moment of grace, joy, and deep belonging. May God reward your generosity, keep you safe along the road, and bless all who open their homes and hearts to accommodate the walkers along the way. Your kindness and courage continue to inspire us every year.
- 18 July 2026
The 50th Anniversary of Knock Basilica
Our Lady Of Knock
With hearts full of gratitude and joy, pilgrims gathered at Knock Shrine to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland. The day was marked by prayer, thanksgiving, and joyful reflection, giving thanks for fifty years of God's blessings through this sacred place of pilgrimage. Opened in 1976 through the vision of Monsignor James Horan, the Basilica has welcomed millions of pilgrims from Ireland and around the world. Today, under the dedicated leadership of Fr. Richard Gibbons, the Shrine continues to flourish as a place of prayer, peace, and welcome for all. The celebration was further enriched by the presence of the Capuchin friars from Church Street Friary, Dublin, along with two visiting friars from Italy. As we give thanks for the past fifty years, we pray that Our Lady of Knock will continue to guide all who come to this holy shrine in faith, hope, and peace.
- 3 July 2026
Night Vigil at Knock Parish Church Led by Fr. Sean Kelly OFM Cap
Knock Parish Church
On the First Friday of every month, Knock Parish Church holds a Night Vigil from 9.00 p.m. to 12.00 midnight, bringing together people for prayer, reflection, and worship. The Night Vigil on 3 July was led by Fr. Sean Kelly OFM Cap, a member of the Capuchin Friary community in Knock, who serves as the Parish Chaplain. The theme for the evening was "The Healing Ministry of Jesus." Through Scripture, prayer, and reflection, Fr. Sean invited everyone to place their trust in Christ, who continues to bring healing, hope, and peace to all who seek him. As always, people from many different counties travelled to Knock to take part in the vigil. The evening was further blessed with fine weather, allowing pilgrims to arrive safely and prayerfully. It was a grace-filled night of faith, renewal, and fellowship as the faithful gathered to experience the healing presence of the Lord.
- 28 June 2026
National Franciscan Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine
On 28 June, pilgrims from across Ireland gathered at Knock Shrine for the National Franciscan Pilgrimage, a joyful day of prayer, fraternity, and renewal in the spirit of St. Francis. The highlight of the pilgrimage was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Basilica, where Br. Godfrey Pereira OFM Cap preached on living the Gospel with simplicity, compassion, and hope. His homily encouraged pilgrims to recognise God's presence in everyday life and become instruments of peace. The pilgrimage was a beautiful celebration of the Franciscan charism, bringing together friars, religious, and lay faithful in faith and fellowship. Pilgrims returned home with renewed hope and a deeper commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis.
- 1 June 2026
Our Knock Capuchin Fraternity Celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Br. Matthew Clerkin's Priestly Ministry
Our Knock Shrine Fraternity celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of priestly service to the Capuchin Order and the Church of Br. Matthew Clerkin who hails from Co. Monaghan and who spent most of his Capuchin life working in New Zealand. Br. Matthew is now Guardian of the New Fraternity of Witness in Knock. We were delighted to be joined by Fr. Richard Gibbons Parish Priest of Knock who wanted to express his good wishes to Br. Matthew for his humble and generous service to the pilgrims who visit this beautiful Shrine every day. Ad Moltus Annos Br. Matthew.
- 25 May 2026
A Special Year of St. Francis: A Time of Grace and Peace
There is wonderful news for the whole Church. To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of St. Francis, which will continue until January 2027. This Franciscan Jubilee Year is a gift to the entire Church and an invitation to grow closer to Christ by following the example of St. Francis. During this special year, the faithful can receive a plenary indulgence by fulfilling the usual conditions: receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, and making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis. Those who are elderly, sick, or unable to travel can also receive this grace by spiritually joining the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers and sufferings to God. The Holy See reminds us that we live in a world marked by division, violence, and uncertainty. In this situation, St. Francis continues to show us the path to true peace—not through power or wealth, but by following Jesus with humility, simplicity, and love. In his message to the Franciscan Family, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that St. Francis still speaks to our world today because his life points us to the true source of peace—Jesus Christ. The Pope also highlights that peace with God, peace with one another, and peace with creation are inseparable. May this Special Year of St. Francis inspire us to renew our faith, receive God's mercy, and become instruments of peace in our families, parishes, and communities by living the Gospel with the joyful spirit of St. Francis.