The annual Novena to Our Lady of Knock commences on 13 August and finishes on 21 August, the anniversary of Our Lady’s apparition. Knock held a special place for Dad for many reasons. Did you know that in 1879, the parish priest at the time Archdeacon Bartholomew Cavanagh offered 100 consecutive Masses for the repose of the souls in Purgatory. Shortly after, Our Lady along with her earthly spouse St Joseph, St John and Jesus depicted as the Lamb of God appeared at the gable end of the parish church. Having great devotion to Our Lady and the plight of the Holy Souls in Purgatory he understood how both were intrinsically linked. It is Our Ladys desire to help those who suffer and this was consistent with Dads experience. Through inner locution she guided him to pray for the holy souls so they could come to peace in heaven. In praying for the holy souls he was directed to offer the Stations of the Cross and Mass in atonement for their plight. It was during one occasion that the Stations at Knock came alive and he experienced how the characters in each scene felt at that moment. Want to know what happened?
To learn more about why we need to pray for our loved ones see ‘Please! Pray for Us…we need your help! – The Holy Souls in Purgatory‘