Catholics seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock encounter this ornate mosaic wall. (Submitted photo)
Randy Augustinak
Diocese of Superior Bishop James P. Powers recently led more than three dozen pilgrims to Ireland, the land of his ancestral heritage, on an 11-day tour.
While there, Bishop Powers conducted Mass in several ancient churches, cathedrals and even a historic Franciscan friary. A highlight of the pilgrimage was Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock in the tiny village of Knock in County Mayo.
For those not familiar with the history of this holy site, on Aug. 21, 1879, the Blessed Virgin Mary, along with St. Joseph and John the Evangelist, appeared to 15 witnesses ranging in age from 15 to 75 outside the local parish. After years of careful examination and investigation, the Catholic Church formally recognized the reported apparition as authentic. The site has since become an international pilgrimage destination, visited by Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Francis, and is a site for prayer and healing.
The visit to the shrine began on a somewhat dreary Sunday morning, not unusual in the small island country whose weather is heavily influenced by the often stormy North Atlantic. Bishop Powers presided at Mass in the Apparition Shrine, which was attended by a standing-room-only congregation. Shortly before the consecration, the sun broke through the thick cloud cover and shone brightly through the south-facing windows. It was a powerful moment.
At the conclusion of the Mass, attendees proceeded to the main Basilica, a stunning church dedicated to Our Lady 50 years ago.
The sprawling shrine grounds feature meticulously manicured outdoor stations of the cross, holy water fonts, flower gardens, a museum, gift shop, café, etc. My wife, Debbie, and I strolled over to the Chapel of Reconciliation to receive the sacrament and fell into line with hundreds of others seeking healing and forgiveness.
As we entered the silent chapel, we were surprised to see long serpentine lines leading to dozens of active confessionals. The scene was both refreshing and somewhat overwhelming, a throng we are simply not accustomed to in our tiny rural Wisconsin parish.
But here the reconciliation process goes on daily, and the ushers know exactly how to keep things moving efficiently. After about 45 minutes, we entered our respective confessionals and eventually had the privilege of reciting our penances before a gorgeous mosaic wall.
Thank you, Bishop Powers, for leading us on a rewarding, efficacious and memorable pilgrimage through a beautiful and devout country dotted with lush green farms, rugged coastlines, and oh yeah, lots of sheep!
Randy and Deb Augustinak live in rural Land O’ Lakes.
