The Bishops of Ireland will undertake a pilgrimage to Knock Shrine this November and celebrate the National Memorial Mass in memory of all who died on the island during the Covid-19 pandemic.The Covid-19 pandemic has been a particularly challenging time for those who have lost loved ones and have often had to cope with their grief without many of the usual spiritual and community supports.To pastorally support everyone who has suffered the pain of bereavement during the pandemic, and in the context of the month of November as the traditional time when we remember our dead, on next Sunday 14 November at 3.00pm, the Bishops of Ireland will undertake a pilgrimage to the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock. The bishops will concelebrate Mass for all those who have died in our country during the pandemic, and for their families. At the Mass the bishops will also offer prayers of thanksgiving for all those who so selflessly sacrificed so much during the pandemic.
This Mass will be live-streamed on www.knockshrine.ie and broadcast on the RTÉ News Now digital television channel and online.
The bishops invite everyone to join with them in prayer on this solemn occasion.
Bishop Ger is preaching at a Service of Remembrance in St Iberius Church, Wexford on Sunday, 14th November and he has asked me to represent him in Knock at the Memorial Mass.
Gerald O’Leary
Director of the Knock Pilgrimage