National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Co Mayo

10 Sep 2008

PRESS RELEASE
10 September 2008

National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Co Mayo

The second National Grandparents Pilgrimage will take place on Sunday next 14 September commencing at 2.30pm in the Basilica at Knock Shrine, Co Mayo.

A special Prayer for Grandparents has been written by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and this will be presented for the first time at this year’s pilgrimage by Catherine Wiley, the co-ordinator of the pilgrimage.

Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala, will lead the pilgrimage which will begin with the celebration of the Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm in the Basilica. This will be followed by Mass at which Bishop Fleming will preside and preach the homily.

Fr Liam Lawton is guest singer at this year’s pilgrimage and he will be performing a special song that he has written for grandparents. The pilgrimage’s keynote address will be given by Mr David Quinn, Director of the Iona Institute.

Choral Singing will be performed by Cill Aodáin Choral Society, Mayo School of Music Youth Choir and Our Lady’s Choir, Castlebar.

Notes to Editors:

  • Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam is the Patron of the National Grandparents Pilgrimage.
  • The National Grandparents Pilgrimage was established by Grandmother Catherine Wiley in 2007. The 2007 pilgrimage was attended by almost 6,000 people from all over Ireland.
  • The aim of the National Grandparents Pilgrimage is to celebrate the important role that grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren.
  • A nationwide prayer appeal for grandparents was launched as part of last year’s pilgrimage and grandchildren from all over Ireland have responded by writing thousands of prayers for grandparents. These prayers will form part of this year’s pilgrimage Mass.
  • One of the themes of this year’s pilgrimage is vocation. The Year of Vocation initiative will be highlighted and promoted as part of the pilgrimage.
  • Bishop John Fleming’s homily will be issued under embargo on Friday 12 September.
  • Further information on the National Grandparents Pilgrimage is available on www.nationalgrandparentspilgrimage.com

ENDS

Further information:
Martin Long, Communications Director (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer (087 233 7797)