THE Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, has taken the unusual step of distancing the Catholic Church from claims by a Dublin-based ‘clairvoyant’ of an apparition by Our Lady at Knock Shrine.
More than 9,000 people flocked to Knock earlier this month after Joe Coleman, from Ballyfermot in Dublin, went on national radio and predicted there would be an apparition at the Shrine at 3pm on Sunday, October 11.
Some of those in attendance later claimed they had witnessed the “sun dancing in the sky” while others had claimed the sun changed colour. Following the success of the event, Mr Coleman was believed to be planning another ‘pilgrimage’ to the religious site next Saturday, October 31.
But Archbishop Michael Neary sought yesterday (Monday) to distance the Catholic Church from Mr Coleman by stating that there was no evidence to support the claims of the so-called visionary
“Knock is a much loved place of pilgrimage and prayer,” said Archbishop Neary. “Ever since the apparition in 1879, believers from home and abroad have made the pilgrimage there in increasing numbers.
“Unfortunately, recent events at the Shrine obscure this essential message. They risk misleading God’s people and undermining faith. For this reason such events are to be regretted rather than encouraged.”
While Archbishop Neary did not refer to Mr Coleman by name, the press statement issued through the Catholic Communications Office was clearly prompted by the recent events in Knock and by media reports of a second public gathering on Saturday next.
People came to Knock from all parts of Ireland on October 11 after hearing Joe Coleman’s claims that Our Lady would appear at the Shrine, 130 years after the first apparition in
1879.
A Mass was held in the Basilica and the manager of Knock Shrine, Pat Lavelle, met with Mr Coleman and described his prediction as “strong stuff”.
However, Archbishop Neary has said the regular pilgrims to Knock “do not expect visions or seek further apparitions”.
“It is not healthy, does not give glory to God and certain-ly is not good witness to the faith to be looking for extraordinary phenomena. The apparition of 1879 was neither sought nor expected by the humble, honest people who were its astonished witness.”
Archbishop Neary’s state-ment also hinted that Knock Shrine may suffer from the recent events.
“The Shrine of Knock will be best served by retaining its authentic identity.”
It is not known whether Mr Coleman intends to go ahead with next Saturday’s event but even if he does numbers are likely to be much smaller in light of the Archbishop’s dramatic intervention.
