Saturday, 18 July
This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Knock Shrine as the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Irelandcelebrates its 50th anniversary. Since opening in 1976, the Basilica has welcomed millions of pilgrims from Ireland and across the world, each bringing their own prayers, hopes, gratitude and faith to this sacred place.
For five decades, the Basilica has stood as a beacon of hope and renewal, offering pilgrims a place of prayer, healing and encounter with Christ through the intercession of Our Lady of Knock.
As Knock Shrine celebrates this Golden Jubilee, pilgrims are invited to join in a special day of thanksgiving, reflection and celebration. The anniversary honours not only the remarkable building itself, but also the faith, vision and generosity of all those who helped build, support and sustain this treasured place of worship throughout the past fifty years.
Programme of Events
‘A Beacon of Hope’ – Exclusive Guided Tours
10.00am, 10.30am & 1.00pm
Take part in a special guided tour of the Basilica and discover its history, unique architecture, beautiful artworks and areas of the building that are not normally open to visitors.
Celebrating 50 Years of Knock Basilica
St. John’s Centre
- 11.00am – Welcome and Opening Prayer
- 11.15am – An Acre of Shelter – A short film telling the story of Knock Basilica and the people whose lives have been touched by it.
- 11.30am – Faith and Foundations – Fr Richard Gibbons in conversation with Tommy Marren (Midwest Radio).
- 11.45am – Open Forum and Sharing of Memories.
- 12.00pm – Presentation of the Basilica 50 Creative Competition Awards.
- 1.00pm – Lunch and free time to visit the Basilica exhibition in Knock Museum and explore the Shrine grounds.
Afternoon Celebrations
- 2.30pm – Anointing of the Sick in Knock Basilica.
- 3.00pm – Solemn Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving marking the 50th Anniversary of the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland.
This special Jubilee celebration offers an opportunity to give thanks for fifty years of prayer and pilgrimage while looking with hope towards the generations who will continue to find comfort, healing and inspiration at Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine.
All are warmly welcome to attend this special day of celebration at Knock Shrine.