'Welcome the Stranger'

Annual SMA-OLA pilgrimage took place at Knock Shrine on May 28th

Almost two thousand pilgrims from across the island of Ireland gathered at the recently refurbished Basilica last Saturday for the 36th annual pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine.

The theme 'Welcome the Stranger' encouraged those present to reflect on the many men, women and children who attempt to reach Europe in search of a better life.

In his homily, Fr. Tim Cullinane, SMA gave some practical examples of how one can welcome the stranger encountered in everyday life:

"How do we welcome the stranger, the refugee the asylum seeker? How do we welcome anyone? Smile at them, shake their hands embrace them, say they are welcome and “Is there anything I can do for you?” To be able to do this for the refugee we must start now by welcoming the stranger in our midst in our family, in our parish, in our town in our city and then our hearts will be ready to welcome the stranger from other countries."

Click here to read Fr. Tim's homily.

Pictures below courtesy of Sr. Phil Mulligan, OLA

                                        Rosina Ntiwaa Fosu and Janet Nutakor (OLA Sisters from Ghana)     OLA Sisters Juliana Fayad from Lebanon with Patience Ezimigbo (left) from Nigeria

                                         Sr. Julie Doran, OLA handing out mass booklets                                    The recently installed mosaic in the refurbished Basilica

                                         Stations of the Cross in the ground of Knock Shrine                         (L-r) Srs. Majella McCarron, OLA, Noreen Hurley, SSL and Anne Cahill, OLA