This year we celebrate the 43rd National SMA Pilgrimage and Novena of Prayer to Our Lady of Knock. We are especially happy this year as we are once again able to freely travel from every part of Ireland and gather on Saturday 27th May at the Shrine in Knock to praise God and honour Mary His Mother. A special intention for our pilgrimage this year is to praise God for all our SMA friends and benefactors who managed to continue their support for us during these recent difficult times. We pray God’s blessings on them and on all of us on this special occasion.
We all need God’s blessings. The past couple of years with wars and pandemics (and the many other problems that can so easily rob us of our peace and joy) have not been easy – and the problems continue for many.
NOVENA DETAILSMass at 10.00am every morning in St. Joseph’s SMA Church, Blackrock Road, Cork City. |
While not ignoring these difficulties, we are encouraged during our Novena and Pilgrimage to take time-out and focus on the one sure place where we will find peace and comfort and joy – in the presence of God. Those who seek His presence receive His blessings – receive His peace and joy even in the midst of the many difficulties they are facing. “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This is God’s promise and our God does not lie. Mary’s role is to lead people to Jesus her Son (“Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:5) and Knock is one of the special places where she does this. May this be the experience of each of us this year as we make our May Novena and gather in pilgrimage.
As members of the SMA family we will also be remembering our missionaries and our support for their work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus in Africa and beyond in obedience to His command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). We pray that the Lord will strengthen them in their mission and that He will also strengthen us to continue supporting them by our prayers and offerings.
For local details regarding transport to Knock contact the SMA house nearest to you – see below.
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