In 1988 twenty two pilgrims set out on a journey that would take them from Derry to the Marian Shrine at Knock Co. Mayo. With the availability of today’s modern transport facilities travelling to Knock might not seem to be of any particular significance, however, this journey was different in that the pilgrims would complete their pilgrimage by walking a distance of 132 miles over a period of five days. 
The ‘Walk to Knock’ was planned as part of the Marian year celebrations. During the walk the pilgrims prayed and meditated on the mysteries of the Rosary for the purpose of obtaining Divine grace for the conversion of souls in our land which are shackled by the chains of sin and fear.
On Wednesday the 18th July 2007 the nineteenth annual pilgrimage ‘Walk to Knock’ begins with three hundred pilgrims setting off from Centres Derry, Belfast and Dublin to walk from the North and South to arrive in Knock on Sunday 22nd July 2007.
The intention of the ‘Walk to Knock’ is to pray for peace in our Hearts, our Homes and our Country and for the Grace to cast off the burden of sin and all of its consequences in our lives. The achievement of Peace of Heart and Mind is something which is desired by most people, not only here in Ireland but throughout the world. Our Lady is clearly trying to direct us to Peace through personal conversion of Heart and Mind.
Our Lady’s influence on, the pilgrimage ‘Walk to Knock’ is clearly evident from the apparition scene at Knock itself. With its central focus on the Lamb of God and the strong connection with the Holy Souls inPurgatory we believe that much has still to be achieved in this time of crisis in the world. She is directing us to her Son Jesus to the Eucharist, just as relevant today 2007 as it was at the time of the apparition. On the inscription stone on the wall of the church at knock placed there 50 years before the apparition is written. “This is the gateway of the Lord” With this in mind the purpose of the pilgrimage is to provide encouragement to those whose faith may be weak at this time and that through our faith and actions we might demonstrate that Christ is indeed alive and present amongst us.
By the grace of God we pray that it might also be possible for the pilgrims to provide a sign to others of a vibrant and living faith which they are experiencing in their daily lives, together with a sign of total belief in the living presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
We would ask for your support by inviting you to join with us in prayer along the roads, or to unite with us in prayer in your own homes, for the intention of receiving the Peace of Christ.
Anyone who may be interested in walking with us in future years, or who may be interested in organising walkers from Dublin or anywhere else North, South, East or West should please contact us at Derry00447841100174 or Dublin 00353864037779.
Finally, we wish to acknowledge the tremendous support given to us over the years in the many towns we pass through on our way to Knock, without which so much generosity the walk would not have been possible. Your intentions will always be remembered in our prayers.
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