On 30 September 1979, Pope John Paul II made a historic visit to the Shrine of Knock in Ireland to mark the centenary of the Marian apparition. It was the first time a pope had ever visited Ireland. Approximately 450,000 faithful attended the Holy Mass.

In his address, the Pope emphasised the importance of devotion to the Virgin Mary, the preservation of the Christian faith, love, and peace. He prayed especially for the people of Ireland and for an end to the violence and hatred affecting the country. At the end of the Mass, he elevated the church at Knock to the status of a minor basilica and presented the shrine with a Golden Rose as a sign of his devotion to the Virgin Mary.

His visit became one of the most significant events in the history of the Irish Catholic community.

This is commemorated by this Celtic cross, which stands where the Pope said mass.

Brother Leo from Hungary in front of 
the Papal Cross at Knock Shrine

Saint Alexius, model of love and humility, help us to walk the path of love and compassion! Strengthen us as we serve the sick, the elderly, the poor, and those in need, so that through our presence we may offer comfort, through our words we may offer hope, and through our actions we may offer love. We pray that new vocations may arise in our community, and that there may be courageous, open-hearted young people who joyfully choose to serve others. Accompany and strengthen the communities of the Alexian Brothers in Hungary, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, and the United States! Help us to carry on our nearly 800-year-old heritage and, even in today’s world, to reach out with love, humanity, and compassion to those who need support and hope. Guide us to follow Christ’s example, so that through our lives we may embody goodness and mercy day by day! Amen.

Saint Alexius, patron saint of the homeless, pilgrims, and the Alexian Brothers, please accompany us every day of this new week! Help us to be mindful of one another, to support one another, and to offer help where it is needed most. Help us to notice, together, the small joys of everyday life, the beauty of nature, and the kindness of others. Grant us strength and patience when we face difficulties, and help us not to lose hope even in such times. We ask you to watch over our communities, our families, our friends, and all those we meet throughout the week. May we be filled with peace, love, and openness, so that we do not focus solely on our own affairs, but also give our attention and care to others. Let us begin this week with confidence and joy, and let us do something small every day to make each other’s lives a little better. Amen.

Statue of Saint Alexius - Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona, Spain, 1685.

The Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, in Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Designed by architects Daithí Hanly, Louis J. Brennan, and Brian Brennan, it was completed in 1976 under the direction of Monsignor James Horan. Pope John Paul II designated it a Minor Basilica on 17 July 1979. Accommodating approximately 10,000 people, it forms part of Ireland’s National Marian Shrine, commemorating the reported apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Evangelist on 21 August 1879. The shrine complex also includes four other churches, a museum, a religious book centre, accommodation, and camping facilities.

Our Lady of Knock, 

at the beginning of this October, we come before you with grateful and trusting hearts. We remember with wonder the evening of 21 August 1879, when you appeared at Knock, standing in silence with Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist, while the Lamb of God was seen upon the altar before the Cross.

Mother of God, your silent presence at Knock has drawn generations of pilgrims to this holy place. Teach us, as you taught those first witnesses, to listen with open hearts, to remain faithful in times of difficulty, and to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ.

As we begin this new month, bless all who journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, those who come in thanksgiving, those seeking healing, those carrying sorrow, and all who long for peace and renewed faith.

We entrust especially to you the Alexian community serving at Knock. Bless them generously as they minister to the pilgrims who come here. Give them strength and compassion as they attend to the physical needs of those they serve, and give them wisdom, patience, and a spirit of prayer as they care for their spiritual needs. May their presence be a living expression of Christ's mercy and hospitality.

Our Lady of Knock, you who appeared in silence yet spoke so deeply to the hearts of your people, accompany us throughout this October. Lead us ever closer to your Son, Jesus Christ, and help us to carry his peace, hope, and love wherever we go.

Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Saint John the Evangelist, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Amen.

Pictures from the past - Brother Dermot O'Leary and Brother Bernhard-Maria from the German Alexian community at the General Chapter in May 2016 in Kleve, Germany.