Our group of pilgrims awoke a decent hour, better rested after three full days that saw lots of time in the bus travelling across the Irish countryside. Some of us were starting to feel the impact - myself included - so it was a joy to have a 'slow' day in and around the Irish National Eucharistic & Marian Shrine at Knock.
After breakfast, we were taken on a guided tour around the site, hearing the story of the original apparition, the development of the site, the building of the basilica, and more. In the middle of the tour we celebrated Mass in the Apparition Chapel, before taking up the tour again with a visit to the onsite museum.
The rest of the day was given over to exploring the site, or resting, or prayer, or...whatever each individual pilgrim wanted to indulge in. It was a great way to spend and afternoon, just soaking in the atmosphere, and the peace, of this site that sees hundreds of thousands of people visit each year.
After a light lunch, and a little nap, Mum & I explored the Chapel of Reconciliation, which neither of us could remember from our visit eight years ago. We wander through the basilica again, paying particular attention to the architectural features incorporated in the building that give a symbolic representation of the desire for peace.
For example, the columns around the outside of the basilica are built with stone from each of the counties of Ireland, while the inside of the building features replicas of famous windows from an abbey or monastery in each of the four provinces of Ireland. These little architectural touches might seem unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but to my mind represent a foresight in creating a building that is a national - as in all of Ireland - shrine.
I think I may have to come back...and spend more than one day in the place.
