ARCHBISHOP OF Tuam Dr Michael Neary has strongly discouraged people from gathering at Knock Shrine, Co Mayo, in the hope of seeing an apparition of Our Lady.
He said yesterday that the apparition of 1879 was “neither sought nor expected’’ by the humble, honest people who were its astonished witnesses.
“Their faith reveals the patience and humility that characterise true belief. The shrine of Knock is living witness to that faith.’’
In a statement, Dr Neary said that, unfortunately, recent events at Knock had obscured this essential message.
“They risk misleading God’s people and undermining faith. For this reason, such events are to be regretted rather than encouraged”.
He said that Knock would be best served “by retaining its authentic identity’’.
Earlier this month, more than 5,000 people gathered at the shrine on Sunday, October 11th, in the hope of seeing an apparition of Our Lady.
Dublin-based clairvoyant Joe Coleman had predicted that Our Lady would appear at the old parish church – scene of the original apparition – at 3pm that day.
During the gathering, there were ripples of applause from the crowd when some people said they could see the sun shimmering, changing colour and dancing in the sky.
The crowds waited in the open air despite an invitation on loudspeaker from Knock parish priest Msgr Joseph Quinn to enter the adjacent basilica and participate in ceremonies to mark the annual Dominican pilgrimage.
Dr Neary said yesterday that Knock was a much-loved place of pilgrimage and prayer. For 130 years, he added, the Knock pilgrims had been pilgrims in faith.
A statement issued on Mr Coleman’s behalf last night described him as “an acclaimed visionary” who had predicted recent events at Knock.
Mr Coleman said, while he was deeply disappointed by the archbishop’s statement, he had to say, sadly, that he was not surprised.
“I have, since recent apparitions took place in Knock and Donegal, been contacted by thousands of people who have witnessed these events, including business professionals, priests, ordinary people and pilgrims from abroad.
“Many of these people have photos, videos . . . images are even on YouTube . . . and yet the people who disbelieve the most are the clergy.”
Mr Coleman said that up to 10,000 pilgrims were expected to attend a predicted apparition at Knock next Saturday.
He added that he had received a message from Our Lady urging “all her children to go to Confession and get reconciliation from her son, Jesus”.
