?In the evening twilight of that same day the exterior of the south gable-end of the church and some space around it were enveloped in a radiance not of earth. In the profoundest spaces of this light there was a vision which, in several of its features, has rightly been considered apocalyptic in character. The vision had a focal point of supreme significance: a Lamb, facing towards the other figures of the apparition, was standing on a full? sized altar. Behind the Lamb and away from him, a large cross stood erect on the altar. Triumphant over death and radiating the splendors of his glory, this Lamb clearly represented Jesus-the risen and glorious Lamb of God-who redeemed us by his sacrifice.
From the silent summits of contemplation that overlook the eternal city our Lady gazed with immortal rapture on the divine Lamb and she was so transformed in his beauty and gladdened by his presence that it seemed as if a fountain of joy had broken in her heart. She appeared as if completely, yet serenely, held by the wonder and glory of her vision which shone upon her in a revelation which eternity will never exhaust. She did not speak. The beauty of her vision had ravished every human attraction from her lips.? At Knock, Mary had freely willed her silence.
![[queenofknock.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jAr-z0nLqt8/RrvaAuRWVZI/AAAAAAAAAbE/VEFNnvqKnPk/s1600/queenofknock.jpg)
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A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE APPARITION
At about 8 o’clock on Thursday evening the 21st August, 1879, Our Lady, Sr. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the South gable of the Church at Knock.
Our Lady wore a large white cloak, fastened at the neck. Her hands and eyes were raised towards heaven, in a posture of prayer. On her head was a brilliant crown and where the crown fitted the brow, was a beautiful rose.
On her right was St. Joseph, head bowed and turned slightly towards her as if paying her his respects. He wore white robes.
On Our Lady’s left was St. John the Evangelist, dressed as a bishop, with a book in his left hand and right hand raised as if preaching. His robes were also white.
Beside the figures and a little to the right in the centre of the gable was a large plain altar. On the altar stood a Lamb, facing the West and behind the Lamb a large cross stood upright. Angels hovered around the lamb for the duration of the Apparition.
?There were fifteen official witnesses to the Apparition which was enveloped in a heavenly light. They included men, women and children of various ages. They watched the apparition for two hours, in the pouring rain and recited the Rosary. It was so real that an old lady, Brigid Trench, went up to the gable and tried to kiss the feet of Our Lady.
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NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen??
Give praise to the Father Almighty, To His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord,
To the Spirit who lives in our hearts, Both now and forever. Amen.
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress, and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.”
Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen.
?Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Grant us peace.
?Help of Christians, pray for us.
ST. JOSEPH,
Chosen by God to be The Husband of Mary,
The Protector of the Holy Family,
The Guardian of the Church.
Protect all families
In their work and recreation
And Guard us on our journey through life.??
(Repeat – Lamb of God, etc.)
ST.JOHN,
Beloved Disciple of the Lord, Faithful priest.
Teacher of the Word of God.
Help us to hunger for the Word.
To be loyal to the Mass
And to love one another??
(Repeat – Lamb of God, etc.)??
Our Lady of Knock, pray for us.
Refuge of Sinners, pray for us.
Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the Rosary, pray for us.
Mother of Nazareth, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.?
Health of the Sick, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Our Lady, Queen and Mother, pray for us.
Our Lady, Mother of the Church, pray for us.
?(Here mention your own special intentions)??
With the Angels and Saints let us pray: Give praise to the Father Almighty, To His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, To the Spirit who lives in our hearts, Both now and forever. Amen.
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