This Sunday, 22 June, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, will consecrate Ireland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The consecration will take place during the 3.00pm Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Ireland, Knock, which will be live-streamed here.

Speaking ahead of the consecration, Archbishop Martin said, “We are living in a time of great need for God – for  faith, for  hope and for love.  Our age presents many challenges to our faith, to our families and indeed to the deepest core of our humanity.  But as a pilgrim people filled with great love and hope in this jubilee year of graces, while  recalling the the promises of the Sacred Heart made known 350 years  ago to  Saint Margaret Mary, we have chosen to renew the consecration of  our  country  to  the  Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as its secure refuge from all dangers – visible and invisible.  All are welcome to our Mass this Sunday in Knock.”

The pilgrim Sacred Heart Statues which were blessed in Rome earlier this year – pictured above with Archbishop Martin, Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin, Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam and Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA of Cashel and Emly – will return to Knock for this faith-filled occasion.

Father Richard Gibbons, Rector and Parish Priest of Knock Shrine, will welcome the Relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Saint Claude la Colombiere and Blessed Mary of the Divine Heart to the Basilica at 11.30am.  Following the 12 noon Mass on Sunday, pilgrims will have the opportunity to venerate the relics until 2.00pm.

Visit KnockShrine.ie to view full programme of events for the day.