European Marian Shrine representatives meet in Knock
Fr Richard Gibbons, rector of Knock Shrine, with rectors and representatives of the European Marian Network at Knock Basilica.
Knock Shrine was honoured to welcome the rectors and representatives of the National Marian Shrines of Europe for their annual meeting from October 21st to 24th.
The European Marian Network, established in 2003 with the encouragement of the Holy See, links 20 major Marian Shrines across Europe, each representing its nation’s most significant place of devotion to Our Lady. The network promotes collaboration and mutual support in welcoming pilgrims and nurturing Marian devotion.
Fr Richard Gibbons, Rector of Knock Shrine, said: “It was a great joy and privilege for Knock to host our colleagues from Marian Shrines across Europe. This gathering reminds us that while our Shrines are rooted in different places and cultures, we share the same call - to welcome pilgrims, to pray with them, and to offer a message of hope and peace inspired by Our Lady.”
The network meets each year at one of its member Shrines to share experiences, discuss current developments and strengthen collaboration in serving pilgrims and the wider Church community.
This year’s gathering at Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine provided an opportunity to highlight Knock’s unique role as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, renewal and reconciliation. Over the four-day event, delegates discussed the pastoral needs of pilgrims, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing Shrines today, and exploring new ways to offer mutual support across Europe.
Alongside these discussions, participants joined together in moments of communal prayer and devotion, seeking the guidance of Our Lady in their shared mission to deepen faith and nurture hope among all who visit the Marian Shrines.
