Latest news with #KnockShrine
Irish Independent
14-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
€1.5 million accommodation village to officially open at Knock Shrine
The state-of-the-art Knock Youth Village Retreat facility will be officially opened by Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam, on Saturday, June 14. This impressive new complex is comprised of eco-friendly, self-catering accommodation which has been designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. The accommodation features smart technology, high spec finishes, full ensuite facilities, twin bedded accommodation, controllable ventilation and under-floor heating. The dedicated central hub offers an open-plan bright space for residents, with a fully equipped kitchen and additional accommodation for retreat leaders. The complex consists of nine twin pods with accommodation for up to two people and one larger pod with one double bed and two bunk beds which sleeps up to five people and is fully wheelchair accessible. Speaking ahead of the official launch, Fr Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine said that Knock Youth Village 'will serve as a wonderful resource' for the Catholic Church in Ireland, 'providing groups of all ages with a place to come together and grow in faith'. The official opening coincides with the start of 'Dare to Hope', a faith gathering of young adults aged 18 to 30. The gathering will be hosted by the Irish Bishops' Conference in collaboration with Knock Shrine. 'We look forward to welcoming the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference and all those who are attending the 'Dare to Hope' event, to experience first-hand this exciting new development here at Knock,' added Fr Gibbons. The event aims to 'inspire participants to deepen their faith and renew their commitment to Christ, guided by the theme of hope'. The gathering will feature expert speakers, faith sharing experiences, and a concluding Mass celebrated by Bishop Fintan Gavin.
South Wales Argus
22-04-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Prospect of Pope Francis visiting Northern Ireland had remained ‘live and open'
Father Tim Bartlett said Irish bishops had extended an 'ongoing invitation' to the pontiff to come to the region after an initial proposal to journey north of the border seven years ago was shelved because of time pressures. Fr Bartlett was one of the main co-ordinators of the World Meetings of Families that Francis attended in Dublin in August 2018. He also accompanied him as he made a trip to the west of Ireland to visit the Knock Shrine in Co Mayo. Pope Francis with Irish President Michael D Higgins in Dublin in 2018 (Danny Lawson/PA) The cleric, who is currently parish priest at St Mary's church in Belfast city centre, said he believes one of the main reasons he was handed the key role was thanks to his understanding of Northern Ireland society and politics, given the original itinerary included a proposed papal stop in the region. 'I think it's clear historically to put on the record that, yes, there was a very active discussion about Pope Francis as part of his participation in the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, making a short historic visit to the north of the island,' he said. 'I think the Pope was anxious that that would be a symbolic visit but, because of the pressures of his diary, it was going to be very short. 'And then as that prospect loomed, more and more people were writing to him, contacting him, and saying 'you should do this and come and see that' – all really powerful, important things that he could have done. 'And I think as the time got closer, the Holy Father and those organising the visit realised we can't just make a short visit to this part of the island, and it wouldn't fit into that particular event well. '(But) the question of him coming back remained very live and very open.' Fr Bartlett said the Irish bishops had extended 'an ongoing invitation to the Holy Father to make a visit to this part of the island'.
Leader Live
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Prospect of Pope Francis visiting Northern Ireland had remained ‘live and open'
Father Tim Bartlett said Irish bishops had extended an 'ongoing invitation' to the pontiff to come to the region after an initial proposal to journey north of the border seven years ago was shelved because of time pressures. Fr Bartlett was one of the main co-ordinators of the World Meetings of Families that Francis attended in Dublin in August 2018. He also accompanied him as he made a trip to the west of Ireland to visit the Knock Shrine in Co Mayo. The cleric, who is currently parish priest at St Mary's church in Belfast city centre, said he believes one of the main reasons he was handed the key role was thanks to his understanding of Northern Ireland society and politics, given the original itinerary included a proposed papal stop in the region. 'I think it's clear historically to put on the record that, yes, there was a very active discussion about Pope Francis as part of his participation in the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, making a short historic visit to the north of the island,' he said. 'I think the Pope was anxious that that would be a symbolic visit but, because of the pressures of his diary, it was going to be very short. 'And then as that prospect loomed, more and more people were writing to him, contacting him, and saying 'you should do this and come and see that' – all really powerful, important things that he could have done. 'And I think as the time got closer, the Holy Father and those organising the visit realised we can't just make a short visit to this part of the island, and it wouldn't fit into that particular event well. '(But) the question of him coming back remained very live and very open.' Fr Bartlett said the Irish bishops had extended 'an ongoing invitation to the Holy Father to make a visit to this part of the island'.
