1879

For the 2023 anniversary of the Apparition at Knock, I wrote a poem, which to my joy was shared by Knock Shrine. I was so proud of this, as generations of my family visited, prayed and reflected at Knock.

A set of rosary beads from my great-grandmother made their way to my gran in Croxdale, a quiet village in the North East of England, in the 1950s, not long after she had married Vince. I still treasure those rosary beads to this day.

At Knock Shrine we hear their prayer
which echoes through the Irish air
A sacred place, a holy ground,
where pilgrims gather from all around.
In 1879, there was a heavenly sight,
where the Blessed Virgin Mary,
St Joseph by her side,
with St John the Evangelist
and the Lamb of God,
appeared with heavenly angels,
on the gable wall that night.
A symbol of hope, bright light in the dark
at Knock Shrine, a place of grace,
you'll find your peaceful space.
So come to kneel and pray,
and let your troubles slip away,
your soul will be blessed,
your worries put to rest.

The poem has gone through many iterations depending on the style of how I like to write at the time, but that there is the original version. Feel free to share with friends and family if you like.