‘Faith in my pocket’ – Young Witness at Knock Novena

Knock Basilica – Tues 18th August – Novena to Our Lady, Queen of Ireland The guest speaker this evening was student and volunteer Mario Nunis, who joined us again to share his faith journey. Mario spoke movingly about his own God experience and the important role played by his parents in forming his faith. He reflected on his deep connection with Knock Shrine, his devotion to Our Blessed Mother and to the Rosary, and his love for the Legion of Mary. His reverence for the Blessed Sacrament was evident throughout, and he wove beautiful scriptural passages into his witness to convey his message. What struck many in the congregation was his confidence, balance and focus as a young man speaking so openly about his Catholic faith. He praised VAKS – Volunteers at Knock Shrine – of which he was a member for a number of years. Mario shared how he had asked God to show him what He wanted him to do for Him. After Mass one day, a lady approached him and invited him to join the Legion of Mary, which he did. He sees that encounter as a direct answer to his prayer. He reflected on how much he has been influenced by Our Blessed Virgin Mary – from childhood memories of his family praying the Rosary together every evening, to his time with VAKS and the Legion of Mary – all giving him a strong sense of her guiding hand on his life. He admitted that while he was never afraid to publicly witness to his faith as a young boy, which he treasured greatly, he became more reluctant to do so in the years before college. Now, he is once again proud of his faith. He credited the life of Saint Carlo Acutis and his love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament – which Carlo called ‘The Highway to Heaven’ – as the catalyst for restoring his love of Jesus and Mary and for restoring his confidence in witnessing to his faith. He left the packed Basilica with a simple but challenging question: "When you arrived in Knock this evening – did you bring your faith with you?" We thank Mario for his courage, sincerity and inspiring witness, and we pray that his story will connect with and encourage other young people in service at the Shrine.