Our Patron

The National Pilgrimage for Grandparents takes place in Our Lady of Knock Shrine on the 14th September 2008 lead by Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam.

"It gives me great delight to have the privilege to lead the first National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock in September this year. I look forward to it very much.

Grandparents have a very special and unique role in the life of young people. They have had an invaluable role in passing on tradition, culture and most of all the Christian faith to countless generations of people.

On September 22nd we will get an opportunity to publicly mark and acknowledge this, to thank all grandparents for all their important contribution.

Our tradition tells us that Saints Joachim and Anne had a central role in passing on the Jewish faith to Jesus as a little Child. We appeal to their patronage in praying for Grandparents in their crucial role in preserving and passing on the treasures of the faith.

I highly commend the organisers of the first National Pilgrimage for all their hard work and wish them well in their endeavours in preparing for the big day.

I encourage as many people as possible to participate in whatever way - whether that is in attending the basilica at Knock on the day, praying, composing a prayer for the website, participating in the music, assisting with the catering or helping in whatever way you can.

Guím rath Dé ar an Oilithreacht seo agus go raibh toradh fónta ar an lá fiúntach agus tabhachtach seo."