- 2009 is the 32nd year of the Novena – it started in 1977.
- The theme of the 2009 Novena is - Seeds of Hope.
- 2009 is the 30th Anniversary of Pope John Paul’s visit to Knock in 1979.
- During the Novena well-known speakers will reflect on different aspects of the theme.
- Two Diocesan Pilgrimages to Knock will take place during the Novena – Raphoe and Elphin.
- The Solemnity of the Assumption on the 15th August and the 130th Anniversary of the Knock Apparition on 21st August will be celebrated during the Novena.
- Choirs from all over the West and elsewhere and well-known soloists will participate during the Novena.
- The Basilica at Knock will be beautifully decorated for this special event.
- Two Novena Sessions each day – at 3.00pm and 8.30pm.
- The 3.00pm session each day will include a Eucharistic Procession concluding with Benediction at the Apparition Chapel.
- The 8.30 pm evening session will end with a Candlelight Rosary Procession.
- The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) will be available for eight hours each day during the Novena in the Reconciliation Chapel – with a large Team of Confessors – in various languages.
- The Anointing of the Sick will take place during the 3.00 pm session each day.
- 150,000 people are expected to participate in the Ceremonies at Knock over the nine days – as people come to Knock to celebrate their faith – give thanks for their faith – and be renewed in faith and hope in these difficult times at Ireland’s National Marian Shrine and the Shrine of the Lamb of God.
- Further information – contact Knock Shrine Office (094) 9388100.
SPEAKERS
Friday 14th August
Hope for the Broken and the Wounded
His Eminence, Sean Cardinal Brady, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.
Saturday 15th August
Hope for the Sick and Suffering
Most Revd. Philip Boyce, Bishop of Raphoe. (Raphoe Diocesan Pilgrimage).
Sunday 16th August
Hope for the Family
Most Revd. Christopher Jones, Bishop of Elphin. (Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage).
Monday 17th August
Hope in Contemporary Culture
Bryan Dobson, RTE, Dublin.
Tuesday 18th August
Hope on our Pilgrim Journey
Fr. Frank Fahey, Ballintubber Abbey, Co. Mayo.
Wednesday 19th August
Hope at times of Bereavement and Loss
Fr.John Harris, O.P., St. Saviours, Dublin.
Thursday 20th August
Hope for Young People Today
Ms. Patricia O’Brien, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo.
(Tuam Diocesan Youth Council)
Friday 21st August, (130th Anniversary of the Apparition)
Hope for Priesthood , (Year of Priesthood)
Most Revd. Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam.
Saturday 22nd August
Seeds of Hope in the Church and the World
His Eminence, Keith P. Cardinal O’Brien, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Scotland.
(Two Sessions daily — 3.00pm and 8.30pm. Except on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th when Ceremonies commence with Anointing of Sick at 2.30pm.)
Visit Knock on the web: www.knockshrine.ie