Thousands of people are expected to be in Knock on Saturday 11 June for the arrival of the Relics of Saint Anthony. A special welcome ceremony for the relics will take place at 11.00am. This will be followed by veneration in Knock Basilica until 2.30pm. The Polish Community Pilgrimage Mass will take place in the Basilica at 3.00pm followed by veneration until 7.30pm when there will be a concelebrated Mass followed by departure of the Relics. At the conclusion of each Mass, all those attending will be invited to approach the relics and to receive an extraordinary blessing.
The relics will be accompanied by Father Mario Conte, editor of the Messenger of Saint Anthony, the magazine published by the Conventual Franciscan Friars of Saint Anthony’s Basilica in Padua, Italy, where the Saint lies in his Tomb.
Irish people have a strong tradition of devotion to Saint Anthony and are accustomed to praying to the Saint for the recovery of lost items.
In his writings, St Anthony often speaks of mercy, describing God as the ‘Father of Mercy’. Pope Francis has made mercy one of the primary focuses of his papacy and the Jubilee Year of Mercy is a special period of universal pardon, emphasising God’s forgiveness and mercy.
For more information visit www.knockshrine.ie/stanthonyrelic
ENDS
