NATIONAL NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK

13 - 21 August 2026 | Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo Theme: SHELTERED IN GOD'S LOVE - Celebrating 50 Years of the Basilica (1976-2026) There's a shift that happens in mid-August around Knock. The pilgrim flags go up, the flowers are at their finest outside the Basilica, and we know - the Novena is here. For nine days, from the 13th to the 21st of August, Knock Shrine will once again become a shelter for the whole country. What is a Novena? The word Novena comes from the Latin novem - nine. It's nine days of persistent, hopeful prayer. It recalls the nine days Mary and the Apostles spent in the Upper Room waiting for the Holy Spirit. It's a beautiful contradiction to our instant world: we choose to wait, to return, to trust. And there is no better place to do that than Knock, where on 21st August 1879, fifteen ordinary people found themselves sheltered in an extraordinary vision of Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John and the Lamb on the gable wall. This Year's Journey: Sheltered in God's Love This year is especially significant as we celebrate 50 years since the Basilica was dedicated in 1976. That great building has sheltered countless Masses, tears, thanksgivings and homecomings. This year's theme invites us back into that shelter. It is such a blessing to take time out to come and share in this beautiful tradition. You don't have to come for nine days. One ceremony, one quiet hour, one walk around the grounds can be enough to restore you. DAILY PROGRAMME: Novena Ceremonies: 3pm & 8pm in Knock Basilica Workshops: 12.45pm daily in Knock Prayer Centre HIGHLIGHTS: Family Day at Knock Shrine: Sunday August 16th, 11am to 3pm. Witness Walk: Friday, 21st of August at 6.45pm. GUEST SPEAKERS 2026: Thursday, August 13th 3pm & 8pm - Mary Kennedy, Broadcaster and Author - Faith in Full View Friday, August 14th 3pm & 8pm - Aidan Gallagher, Cenacolo Community - From Addiction to Healing Saturday, August 15th - Feast of the Assumption 3pm - Bishop Niall Coll, Diocese of Raphoe - Our Lady: A Quiet Shelter of God's Love 8pm - Niamh McCann, CJ's Rainbow - Beyond the Rainbow Sunday, August 16th 3pm - Bishop Kevin Doran, Diocese of Achonry & Elphin - Rebuilding the City of God - Pope Leo XIV and the New Technology 8pm - Sandra Cullen, DCU - Faith in the Era of A.I. Monday, August 17th 3pm & 8pm - Sheila Murphy, Mayo County Council - From Mass to Meadow: Living Our Faith Outdoors Tuesday, August 18th 3pm & 8pm - Mario Nunis, Student and Volunteer - Faith in my Pocket Wednesday, August 19th 3pm & 8pm - David Wells, Motivational Speaker - Enjoy your Life - Make it Happen Thursday, August 20th 3pm & 8pm - Deacon Mark Paine, Archdiocese of Birmingham - A Church for Everyone Friday, August 21st 3pm - Fr. Paul Murphy, Chaplain, Irish Defence Forces - The Healing Power of Love 8pm - Fr. Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of Knock Shrine - Sheltered in God's Love