SMA-OLA Knock Pilgrimage

Upwards of one thousand pilgrims gather from across Ireland to hear how 'the presence of Mary at Knock has meaning for our day and our time'.

Pilgrims gather at Knock Basilica on May 27th, 2017.

Despite inclement weather conditions, a large number of pilgrims converged on Knock Shrine for the annual SMA-OLA Pilgrimage. Fr. Dan Cashman, SMA, delivered the homily during the concelebarated Mass. Fr. Cashman focused on how the presence of Mary at Knock has meaning for our day and our time and the Knock Apparition continues to be a 'light for our lives' today. He also alluded to our famine experiences and that these confer on us a 'responsibility that we do all we can to lead others to a new and better day'. Fr. Cashman concluded his homily by asking those present to help 'consign famine, war and disunity to history'.

Two groups provided musical accompaniment during the celebration: Solas Dé Choir from Moycullen, Co. Galway and the Loreto House Spiritual Formation Programme Intercultural Group.

Click here to read the full text of Fr. Dan Cashman's homily.

Click here to watch the Loreto House Spiritual Formation Programme Intercultural Group bring the Gospel to the altar.

Sr. Julie Doran, Fr. Paddy O'Rourke, Sr. Mary Crowley, Sr. Eithna Synott, Sr. Eileen Cummins, Sr. Patricia McMenamin and Fr. John Gallagher.

Sr. Mary Usifoh.

Fr. Michael McCabe, SMA Provincial Leader, Fr. Tom Curran and Sr. Julie Doran.

Sr. Kathleen McGarvey, OLA Provincial Leader, with family and friends.

Sr. Julie Doran (left) and Sr. Majella McCarron with the Wold family who, in traditional Ethiopian dress, brought the gifts to the altar during the offertory procession.

Fr. Kevin McNamara with the Loreto House Intercultural group who, through song and dance, brought the Gospel to the altar.

Sr. Kathleen Keohane (front, right) at the OLA Information Stand.

Click here to view more pictures from the pilgrimage.