Thousands of pilgrims travelled to the House of Prayer on Achill Island, Co Mayo, for a day of prayer yesterday.
The founder of the House of Prayer, Ms Christina Gallagher, warned the pilgrims that many calamities were on the way to purify the stench of sin and evil from the world.
In a message read over loudspeakers to more than 5,000 people, Ms Gallagher claimed she was shown what was to befall the world by Our Lady in one of her latest visions but she was not permitted to reveal the contents.
Sceptics were assured there would be signs at the House of Prayer, a former convent, to prove to the people of the world that it was indeed the "Immaculate Mother" who was calling them. "The signs will be great", Ms Gallagher said. "The great sign will last for three days and nights for all to see."
Some pilgrims booked their accommodation as long ago as last autumn since the announcement that July 25th was to be set aside as a special day of prayer. There were traffic jams on the island (pop: 2,000) throughout yesterday, scenes not seen since the 1960s when the island was extremely popular as a holiday resort.
Hotels and B&Bs served breakfast from 7 a.m. as crowds made their way early to the House of Prayer complex which has a tiny but ornate chapel.
Some people were unable to gain entry to the chapel and went away disappointed. Many of the pilgrims were infirm and the scenes were similar to Knock Shrine as long queues developed at taps where holy water was available.
Priests accompanying the pilgrims celebrated a series of Masses in the nearby church at Achill Sound. Masses are not allowed in the house on the instructions of the Archbishop of Tuam.
Pilgrims were impressed by the air of piety and what they experienced. "I have been here three times this year, it recharges my batteries," said Mr Harry Collins from Glasnevin, Dublin, who now lives in Louth. Mr Denis Donnelly, a retired prison officer, of Navan Road, Dublin, said: "There is a strong message in this place that we should all return to the values of the Gospel."