- People are invited to post online petitions which will be prayed for during Mass
- Mass livestreamed at 12.00pm, Sunday, and broadcast at 2.15pm on the RTÉ News channel
Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam, will celebrate a Mass of Remembrance this Sunday, 22 November, for all those who have died from Covid-19 during 2020.
The Mass will be celebrated at 12.00pm at the National Marian Shrine in the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Knock, and livestreamed on knockshrine.ie. Mass will also be broadcast at 2.15pm on the RTÉ News channel (Saorview channel 21, Virgin Media channel 200, Sky channel 521, Eir channel 500), via the live button on the RTÉ News app or on RTE.ie website.
Archbishop Neary said, “Despite the sadness, fear and uncertainty that we have experienced this year, God as Shepherd will gather His people, feed the hungry, bandage the wounded, heal the injured, and make the weak strong. During November, as we remember all who have died across the island of Ireland from Covid-19, we experience the Shepherd’s care for them, and for those who mourn them. Our Mass will be offered for the repose of their souls.
“I encourage the faithful to join me for this Mass. I also invite the bereaved to submit a prayer petition on knockshrine.ie It will be placed on the altar and prayed for during the Mass. May the merciful Lord bless and comfort all who are in mourning at this time.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- Before Mass on Sunday people may post short online petitions on https://www.knockshrine.ie/place-petition/?v=d2cb7bbc0d23 The livestream link is www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live and follow #RememberInNovember on social media.
- November, in the Catholic tradition, is a particular time to remember and pray for our loved ones who have gone before us and whose loss we feel. We normally mark this time of year in our parishes by commemorating All Saints’ and All Souls’ days; submitting our November list of the dead to be prayed for at Mass; blessing of graves, celebration of remembrance services, and in some churches a sacred space is created within the sanctuary area comprising a remembrance candle and a remembrance tree. More so than in previous years, November 2020 is especially poignant as we remember all those who have died arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The story of Knock began on the 21 August 1879 when Our Lady, Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. This miraculous silent apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. Knock is an internationally recognised Marian Shrine and was visited by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1979 during his apostolic pilgrimage, and in 2018 by Pope Francis as part of the celebrations for the IX World Meeting of Families in Ireland. Archbishop Neary is the custodian of the Marian Shrine and Father Richard Gibbons is parish priest of Knock and rector of the shrine. Please see www.knockshrine.ie for more information.
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long +353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Katie Crosby +353 (0) 86 862 3298.
