Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock 2019
The annual Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 18th August. Bishop Kevin will be main celebrant and homilist at the 3pm Mass. The Sacrament of the Sick will precede the Mass at 2.30pm. All are very welcome!
Pilgrim Walk from Castlerea to Knock
Introduction
It ranks among our greatest, enduring but lesser known traditions. Every year for 140 years (since 1879) women and men of various parishes of the Elphin diocese have walked to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Co. Mayo.
Some have been inspired by spiritual motives such as giving praise and thanks to God. Others have walked in a spirit of penance and petition, eager to invoke Our Lady’s intercession for a loved one or a situation in need of divine help. For others it has simply been the joy of a fresh challenge, a fun means of losing weight and / or the prospect of enjoying the company of friends and new acquaintances as one walks along the road.
If you are in good health and have never tried it, now is your opportunity! Perhaps you could walk a section of it, if the whole walk seems too much? See below for details.
Pilgrim Walkers & Support Volunteers during the Elphin Diocese’s 2016 Pilgrim Walk
Pilgrim Walk (Provisional) Details
06.40 am: Pilgrims gather at St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon,
and register in Church porch.
06.45 am: Morning Prayer Service.
06.50 am: Stage 1 (c. 10 km)
St. Patrick’s Church to Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon.
08.50 am: Rest break & registration for persons joining walk in Ballinlough.
Tea, coffee & biscuits will be served.
09.10 am: Stage 2 (c. 9 km)
Ballinlough to St. Patrick’s Parochial Hall (opposite St. Patrick’s Church),
Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.
11.10 am: Rest break & registration for persons joining walk in Ballyhaunis.
Tea, coffee & biscuits will be served.
11.30 am: Stage 3 (c.11 km)
St. Patrick’s Parochial Hall to Knock Shrine.
01.45 pm: Walkers arrive at Apparition Chapel, Knock Shrine.
Costs
A voluntary contribution of €10 per participant (from those who can afford it) will be sought at registration to meet related costs. These costs include a contribution toward tea, coffee etc. in Ballinlough and Ballyhaunis and the loan of High Vis Vests for those who do not have them.
An additional charge of €10.00 applies for all who wish to avail of a return bus service to Castlerea. This bus service, subject to demand, must be pre-booked. See below for more details.
Other Important Information (please read)
High Vis Vests are required and will be available to borrow or purchase at registration. … Please bring one if you have one.
Participants under eighteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult willing to take responsibility for them.
All participants must sign a declaration that they are in good health and are willing to take responsibility for their own safety / not hold the Diocese of Elphin responsible in the event of an accident etc..
Appropriate footwear and rain-gear are strongly advised.
Food etc. may be purchased from shops in Ballyhaunis & Knock. Participants who require food other than the drinks and biscuits that will be provided before 10.30 am are advised to bring it with them as shops in Castlerea and Ballinlough will not be open when we pass through.
Pilgrim walkers (18 years and over) who wish to join at Ballinlough or Ballyhaunis are welcome to do so. Prior to joining they will need to register (see above) and put on a High Vis Vest (which can be purchased or borrowed).
Return Bus
Participants who wish to avail of the return bus are asked to get in touch with Justin Harkin (mobile: 087 6171526) on or before Thursday Aug. 15th.
This is the only way we can ensure adequate provision for those who wish to avail of this service.
Only those who get in touch with Justin before or on Thursday August 15th can be guaranteed seats on the bus.
Other Enquiries
Please contact Justin on 087 6171526.
